Apple has rolled out tvOS 26 to the public, marking one of the most significant visual and functional updates to the Apple TV platform in years. Far more than a routine iteration, this release introduces the striking Liquid Glass design language alongside features that enhance entertainment, accessibility, and personalization, fundamentally reshaping how users interact with their Apple TV.

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The refreshed tvOS 26 interface featuring the new Liquid Glass design language. (Credit: Jason Hiner/ZDNET)

Liquid Glass: A Visual Transformation

At the core of tvOS 26 is Liquid Glass, a new design paradigm also appearing in iOS 26. This isn't just a fresh coat of paint; it represents a philosophical shift towards depth and transparency:
* Floating, 3D Menus: Interface elements gain dimensionality, appearing to hover above the background.
* Translucent UI: Icons, menus, and overlays allow subtle visibility of the content beneath, creating a layered experience.
* Softer, Organic Edges: Rounded corners and fluid transitions replace sharp lines for a more natural feel.
* Cinematic Focus: Movie and TV show poster art takes center stage during browsing, enhancing the immersive feel.

The update also streamlines profile switching and app logins, reducing friction when accessing personalized content libraries across family members.

Five Standout Features to Explore

Beyond the aesthetic overhaul, tvOS 26 packs substantial functional upgrades:

  1. Apple Music Sing Goes Social: The karaoke feature gets a major upgrade. Users can now use their iPhones as microphones to sing along with on-screen lyrics. Crucially, multiple iPhones can connect simultaneously, turning living rooms into impromptu karaoke stages with friends and family. Singers can queue songs and send real-time emoji reactions that appear on the TV screen.

  2. Enhanced FaceTime with Contact Posters: Building on Continuity Camera, FaceTime calls on the big screen become more personal. Contact Posters – customizable images and typography defined in iOS 26 – now appear for callers on Apple TV, making video chats feel more connected and visually integrated.

  3. Expanded Live Captions & Translation: Accessibility gets a boost. Live Captions, which generate real-time subtitles for any audio playing through Apple TV, now support translation into languages including Spanish, French, and German. This breaks down language barriers for international content and conversations.

  4. Curated Aerial Screensavers: The beloved Aerial screen savers showcasing stunning landscapes receive attention. Users gain new captivating scenes and, for the first time, the ability to select specific categories of screensavers to display, tailoring the ambiance when the TV is idle.

  5. Permanent AirPlay Speaker Assignment: A practical audio enhancement solves a common annoyance. Users can now designate any AirPlay 2-compatible speaker (or speaker pair) as the permanent default audio output for their Apple TV. No more manually selecting speakers each time you power on.

Implications and the Roadmap

This update underscores Apple's commitment to positioning Apple TV as the central hub for premium, social home entertainment. The Liquid Glass UI modernizes the platform, aligning it with design trends emphasizing depth and fluidity seen in other Apple operating systems. Features like multi-user Apple Music Sing leverage the iPhone-TV ecosystem synergy to create unique shared experiences impossible on other set-top boxes.

The mention of future Apple Intelligence integration hints at a roadmap where smarter contextual awareness and AI-powered features will further enhance tvOS. Updating is straightforward via the Apple TV settings, requiring only a stable internet connection.

tvOS 26 transforms the Apple TV from a content portal into a more visually sophisticated, socially engaging, and personalized entertainment centerpiece, solidifying its place in the modern connected home. The Liquid Glass interface isn't just prettier; it signals a platform maturing into its role as a central, integrated hub for Apple's ecosystem vision.

Source: Based on reporting by Chris Bayer, ZDNet.