Abstract
- Audio passthrough characteristic in tvOS 26 permits for a variety of audio codecs for higher sound high quality.
- Liquid Glass show in tvOS 26 provides the Apple TV interface a smooth, fashionable look.
- Profile choice setting in tvOS 26 prevents algorithm points by guaranteeing the right profile is chosen each time.
For the primary time in a very long time, I am excited a few tvOS replace. Apple revealed tvOS 26 alongside iOS 26, and there is a lot to look ahead to. The meat of the replace is the Liquid Glass show, which is able to make your interface look so much sleeker than it presently does. The Apple TV UI, because it stands, is ok, however it’s not precisely one thing particular to have a look at.
An overhaul, while I had reservations, was wanted as a result of the Apple TV UI regarded somewhat too easy. After seeing Apple reveal what was in retailer for tvOS 26, I turned a believer. There’s so much that I am on the lookout for on the horizon, and I can see myself lastly pulling the set off on an Apple TV 4K improve that I have been holding off on for therefore lengthy.
- Model
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Apple
- Bluetooth codecs
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5.0
- Wi-Fi
-
6
- Ethernet
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Gigabit (128GB mannequin solely)
- Storage and RAM
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64GB, 128GB

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1
Audio passthrough is a giant deal
Lengthy have we waited
Pocket-lint / Apple
Except for some visible upgrades, tvOS 26 is introducing a much-awaited characteristic with audio passthrough. At present, the Apple TV gadget handles your audio and converts it, however with audio passthrough you possibly can ship it ahead to your receiver and let that do the work. This opens up a variety of various audio codecs, and it will end in higher sound when you’ve got the necessary hardware, like a soundbar or audio system.
For instance. I’ve a 5.1 encompass sound setup, however the majority of my streaming content material comes by my receiver as “Multi-In” since my Apple TV 4K would not acknowledge the audio sign being despatched by. When a film or present outputs Dolby Atmos, it is all good, however that is not the case with many issues I watch. My receiver would haven’t any downside dealing with any format, however the Apple TV 4K is proscribed. For this reason audio passthrough is a giant deal, and I hope it rolls out to all Apple TV 4K gadgets and never simply the most recent technology. I do not see why this could not be a software program change, however Apple may decide that it requires a {hardware} refresh.

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2
Liquid Glass seems good
A smooth improve
I wasn’t clamoring for a UI improve by any means, however I am not upset after seeing how good every thing seems. Apple desires all of its gadgets to share an analogous look to make it straightforward to transition between them. The Apple TV 4K is the one Apple product I’ve, so it would not make any distinction to me, however it’s a pleasant contact that I am certain folks entrenched within the Apple ecosystem respect.
Sadly, my first-gen Apple TV 4K is not getting this replace, however it’s one thing I look ahead to seeing after I make an improve. It isn’t an earth-shattering change by any means, however it’s one thing that goes a good distance towards serving to the Apple TV interface, and each Apple gadget, look extra fashionable. Even screens as small as an Apple Watch are getting this replace, so it is clear Apple feels good about this replace and desires all people to expertise what it has to supply.

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3
No extra ruining anyone’s algorithm
Simpler profile switching
Apple / Pocket-lint
In case you have a household that every one makes use of the Apple TV 4K, you understand how annoying it may be to overlook to change between profiles and muck up anyone else’s suggestions. Fortunately, I share a profile with only one different particular person, and we regularly watch the identical issues, so there’s nothing to fret about. Nevertheless, it is simple to think about how an grownup’s style and a baby’s differ. I do know I would not wish to be really useful PAW Patrol all over the place I look.
With tvOS 26, you possibly can toggle on a setting that makes you choose a profile if you flip in your Apple TV. This implies you do not have to fret about forgetting to change since you’ll have to pick out one thing every time you flip in your gadget. This could alleviate any issues you’ve got, and your algorithm will not be destroyed by anyone watching a bunch of stuff you’re not eager about.

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4
Extra intuitive for organising new gadgets
A giant time saver
Apple
After I was organising my Roku Streaming Stick in my basement, it was very straightforward due to all my app logins being tied to my Roku account. I’ve a Roku Extremely in my bed room that’s signed in to every thing, and I used to be dreading having to do it yet again with my Roku Streaming Stick. Happily, that wasn’t an issue as every thing signed in as I arrange the gadget. This similar performance is coming to tvOS.
I haven’t got a second Apple TV 4K but, however after I get one, I will respect with the ability to arrange the brand new gadget with out a lot of a headache. There are a whole lot of streaming providers on the market, so it is good to save lots of time after I can. Whereas Apple TV is way forward of different streamers in some areas, it is apparent it lags behind in conditions reminiscent of this. I am glad tvOS 26 is addressing this as a result of it is a large deal for me, and I think about it’s going to be one thing many individuals are completely satisfied about in the event that they choose up a second gadget.

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