tvOS 26.4 Introduces 'Continuous Audio Connection' to Fix Sonos Audio Issues

Apple has released the first beta of tvOS 26.4, and alongside the removal of the iTunes Movies and TV Shows apps, the update introduces a new "Continuous Audio Connection" setting that aims to solve persistent audio problems experienced by users with Sonos speaker setups.

The Audio Problem

For months, Apple TV users with Sonos speakers paired to AV receivers have reported frustrating audio issues, particularly when playing 5.1-channel content. The problems manifest in several ways:

• Popping noises during playback
• Dramatically reduced volume levels on certain audio channels
• Inconsistent audio performance between different content formats

The root cause appears to be related to how Apple TV handles Dolby MAT (Metadata-Advanced Audio Codec) connections with older receivers that may not fully support the latest audio standards.

How the New Setting Works

When enabled, the "Continuous Audio Connection" setting changes how Apple TV communicates with connected audio equipment. According to Apple's description:

"Apple TV uses a Dolby MAT connection for glitch-free playback across formats. Older receivers may indicate an Atmos connection, but original mixes will not be modified."

This suggests the setting maintains a more consistent audio connection protocol, preventing the receiver from misinterpreting or incorrectly processing the audio signal.

User Reports: A Mixed Bag

Early beta testers have reported varying results with the new setting:

Positive outcomes:

• "I can confirm that this function fixed my issues with 5.1 multichannel PCM content being way quieter than Atmos contents"
• "My 5.1 content sounds just as great as Atmos now"
• Eliminates the need for workarounds like disabling eARC or forcing Dolby Digital output

New problems discovered:

• Some users report issues when playing stereo content
• Audio quality inconsistencies across different content types

The mixed feedback suggests Apple may need to refine the implementation before the final release.

Technical Context

The audio issues stem from the complex ecosystem of modern home theater setups. Apple TV supports multiple audio formats including:

• Dolby Atmos
• Dolby Digital Plus
• PCM (Pulse Code Modulation)
• Various surround sound formats

When these formats pass through receivers and speakers from different manufacturers, compatibility issues can arise. The "Continuous Audio Connection" appears to be Apple's attempt to standardize the communication protocol between devices.

Beta Testing and Future Refinements

Since tvOS 26.4 is currently in beta testing with developers and public beta users, Apple has the opportunity to address both the original problems and any new issues that arise. The company typically uses beta feedback to fine-tune features before public release.

For users experiencing audio problems with their current Apple TV setup, the beta testing period offers a chance to test potential solutions, though beta software comes with its own stability considerations.

What This Means for Home Theater Enthusiasts

This update highlights the ongoing challenges in the home theater industry as manufacturers push for newer audio standards while many consumers maintain older equipment. Apple's solution attempts to bridge this gap by providing a more flexible audio connection that can adapt to different receiver capabilities.

For Sonos users specifically, this could represent a significant improvement in their Apple TV experience, eliminating the need for complex workarounds that previously degraded audio quality or required manual switching between settings.

The success of this feature will likely depend on how well Apple can balance the needs of users with cutting-edge equipment against those maintaining older home theater setups.