Apple’s tvOS 26 turned me into a believer

Apple unveiled a brand new tvOS, and whereas I had plenty of reservations about it, I can not discover a lot to be upset about. In a stunning transfer, Apple is making the leap from tvOS 18 all the way in which to 26, however do not get confused since you did not miss something. Apple needs to get all the things inside its ecosystem in keeping with one different, and that is the way in which to make it in keeping with iOS 26. Apple needs to have a seamless transition throughout all of its gadgets, and the thought is that an iPhone consumer ought to have the identical expertise navigating that and an Apple TV 4K.

After seeing the Liquid Glass display as a part of Apple’s WWDC keynote, I’ve to say I am a believer in what they’ve occurring. I used to be hesitant early on as a result of I am a fan of how all the things works on my Apple TV 4K as it’s, and being a creature of behavior, I did not wish to see something change. I can see now that these worries had been misplaced, and I used to be really stunned by what Apple cooked up.

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No have to be afraid of the replace

I can embrace change in spite of everything

At its core, not quite a bit has modified, so fortunately, there’s not a lot I’ve to get used to. What’s new is the modern design that makes it simpler to seek out new issues to look at. The Apple TV app obtained the most important overhaul, and the brand new posters for exhibits and films make all the things stand out fairly effectively. Maybe the most important factor right here is the brand new tvOS 26 characteristic that ties in your streaming subscription logins to your Apple account. I not too long ago obtained one other Roku machine, and I did not need to sign up to something because it was already tied to my Roku account, so it is good to see Apple do the identical.

My favourite factor in regards to the Liquid Glass performance is you continue to get to see what is going on on in your film or present whereas tweaking issues like your audio or organising a sleep timer. You aren’t getting interrupted for messing with any settings, so it is an actual good contact. I haven’t got something damaging to say right here as a result of the replace is not intrusive in any approach. The one draw back I’ve is that not each Apple TV 4K will get to reap the advantages. Solely folks with the second technology or later get entry to Liquid Glass, so these of you caught within the first-gen aren’t seeing the adjustments. This has been a development with many of the cool Apple TV 4K updates currently, so it isn’t all that surprising to me.

One other underrated replace is the change to Apple Music that brings your karaoke events to life. You want a third-gen Apple TV 4K and an iPhone, however should you match that invoice you should use your telephone as a mic and begin singing. It seems like a number of enjoyable, to be truthful, however for the reason that Apple TV 4K is the one Apple machine I’ve proper now, it is one thing I can not participate in. All in all, it is a hefty replace that provides a number of cool issues with out significantly overhauling the UI. I used to be scared, however now I am a believer in what Apple has occurring.

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I have been ready so lengthy to get my fingers on one thing like this, so it is good to lastly see Apple ship.

Apple did issues the correct approach

That is the way you replace a UI

Pocket-lint / Apple

Far too many instances, interface adjustments result in a number of backlash, so it is good to see Apple do one thing extra low-key for a change. Reddit’s redesign is a number of years outdated at this level, however there are nonetheless individuals who just like the outdated possibility higher, and fortuitously for them, there is a approach to do this with out a lot trouble. Apple will not have that very same performance until you decide up a first-gen Apple TV 4K.

Coming into this occasion, I could not consider something I might like to vary as a result of the UI of the Apple TV 4K is my favourite of all streaming platforms. Each Roku and Amazon gadgets really feel like they’re slowed down by advertisements, however the Apple TV 4K does not have any of that occurring. It isn’t even restricted advertisements I am speaking about — there are not any advertisements in any way to be discovered on the Apple TV 4K. The end result is a straightforward, but efficient interface that I did not wish to see modified.

This does not imply there aren’t nonetheless some issues I’ve. I’ve talked quite a bit about how I wish to see Apple Intelligence make its technique to the Apple TV 4K sooner or later, and it is nonetheless powerful to inform if that is ever going to occur. Apple Intelligence was an enormous speaking level for Apple but once more, so it is stunning to not see any motion on it probably coming to the Apple TV platform. It is perhaps a {hardware} drawback that even the third-generation Apple TV 4K is not able to pulling off. Apple isn’t any stranger to locking options behind sure fashions, as evidenced by the aforementioned Liquid Glass and Apple Music updates, so I’ve to surprise if the third-gen mannequin merely is not robust sufficient to make it occur.

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It’s ridiculous that Apple TV is missing this basic feature in 2025

I really like my Apple TV 4K, however come on.

I nonetheless need a new Apple TV 4K sooner or later

I am unsure when that is coming

Pocket-line / Apple

This does lead me to surprise what the way forward for the Apple TV model seems like. I believed this was an ideal time to announce a brand new technology, nevertheless it does not appear to be Apple agreed with me. It is apparent the third-generation mannequin is greater than as much as the duty of being a powerhouse streamer, so there is not a lot purpose to supply a refresh because it’s already probably the most highly effective machine. There is no sense competing with your self, which is why it would be good to see Roku or Google elevate the bar greater. Apple Intelligence is the one main factor lacking, and Apple should not suppose that is an enormous deal.

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