Apple television now offers an array of exciting new capabilities, for those daring enough to explore them.
Apple has just released a new beta version of tvOS 26, offering a sneak peek into the exciting features and improvements coming to Apple TV later this year. The upcoming update is currently only available for developers, but the first public beta is expected to be released in the coming days.
One of the most notable changes in tvOS 26 is the enhancement of FaceTime on Apple TV. With the new Personalized FaceTime experience, users can now enjoy customized photos and names as Contact Posters when starting calls. Additionally, Live Captions will be available in more languages, including French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Spanish, for more inclusive conversations.
Another exciting feature coming to Apple TV is the iPhone Karaoke mode for Apple Music. This new function allows users to use their iPhone as a microphone, with lyrics displayed on the Apple TV screen. Users' vocal talents will play through their TV speakers, soundbar, or home audio system connected to the Apple TV, transforming living rooms into personal karaoke stages.
The tvOS 26 update also introduces a refreshed front-end user interface with the Liquid Glass design aesthetic, providing a more modern and streamlined look across supported devices. Furthermore, the update includes a set of new dynamic aerial screensavers to enhance the visual experience on Apple TV.
In terms of home entertainment setup, tvOS 26 brings better integration for AirPlay-enabled speakers. Previously, only HomePod and HomePod mini speakers could be set as permanent audio outputs on Apple TV. With tvOS 26, users can now designate any AirPlay-enabled speaker as the permanent audio output, offering more flexible and stable wireless home theater setups.
Although the tvOS 26 beta is available for download and installation on the Apple TV, it is not recommended for installation on a main Apple TV 4K or HD box due to potential bugs and missing elements. The final version of tvOS 26 is still expected to be released in September, bringing these new design tweaks and features to Apple TV users worldwide.
Stay tuned for more details on the other new features and upgrades in tvOS 26 as we get closer to the release date. The method for installing the tvOS 26 beta can be found on Apple's support pages.
The upcoming tvOS 26 update is set to revolutionize the Apple TV experience, introducing an iPhone Karaoke mode for Apple Music that turns living rooms into personal karaoke stages. This update also showcases the integration of smart-home-devices, as users can now designate any AirPlay-enabled speaker as the permanent audio output, offering versatility for wireless home theater setups. Additionally, tech enthusiasts will appreciate the enhanced front-end user interface, which adopts the Liquid Glass design aesthetic, and the addition of dynamic aerial screensavers, all aimed at providing a more modern and visually appealing experience.
