The brand new Liquid Glass look of tvOS 26 will get out of your means so you’ll be able to take pleasure in films and TV reveals extra simply. And together with the attractive new clear design, tvOS 26 brings new options that ought to make utilizing Apple TV even higher.
“tvOS brings one of the best of Apple into your front room,” stated Apple TV product supervisor lead Justin Washington throughout Monday’s WWDC25 keynote.
“With tvOS 26, we’re making Apple TV extra pleasing than ever,” stated. “And all of it begins with the brand new design with Liquid Glass, which seems to be unbelievable on the large display. App icons really feel extra vibrant, due to their layered design and new specular highlights that carry depth and element to each edge.”
tvOS 26: Apple TV interface takes a large leap with Liquid Glass
Screenshot: Apple
Apple launched the primary model tvOS a decade in the past alongside the fourth-gen Apple TV machine. (The corporate referred to as earlier variations merely “Apple TV Software program.”) Whereas tvOS doesn’t get a lot love throughout Apple’s occasions, the software program allows a number of options except for streaming content material from Apple TV+ and different companies.
It permits an App Retailer for third-party apps, allows gaming by means of Apple Arcade and acts as a house automation hub by means of HomeKit, amongst different issues. The truth that tvOS does a lot, however is operated solely by means of a distant management or Siri voice instructions, makes it at instances fantastically straightforward to make use of and at different instances bafflingly complicated.
With tvOS 26 and its Liquid Glass redesign, the Apple TV interface turns into much less obtrusive and sure simpler to navigate.
“As you agree right into a present like Your Buddies and Neighbors on Apple TV+, you’ll instantly discover how playback controls refract the content material beneath, fantastically complementing the motion with out distracting from the story,” stated Washington. “This unobtrusive design carries by means of the Management Heart, so whenever you’re setting a sleep timer, the video nonetheless shines by means of.”
The ever-growing array of Apple TV+ reveals and flicks additionally obtain a welcome new therapy in tvOS 26 that ought to make it simpler to identify your faves.
“As you browse, you’ll see a daring new look, with stunning cinematic poster artwork making it enjoyable and straightforward to discover all of your favourite reveals and flicks,” stated Washington.
Screenshot: Apple
A boon for Apple TV households, plus new aerial wallpapers
tvOS 26 additionally makes it simpler for households to share an Apple TV.
“Now you’ll be able to set Apple TV to show profiles at any time when it wakes from sleep, so everybody at residence can select their very own and soar proper again into the TV, sports activities and music that matter most to them,” stated Washington.
A brand new computerized sign-in API will enable builders to hyperlink app logins to an Apple account. This could make it simpler for Apple TV homeowners to arrange new units.
And new aerial wallpapers — considered one of Apple TV’s most mesmerizing options — get a lift with the addition of attractive new flyover imagery from India.
Apple Music in tvOS 26
tvOS additionally boosts the Apple Music app’s karaoke capabilities by letting you employ an iPhone as a mic. Your singing will come by means of the TV, full with visible results.
“Whenever you’re with mates, everybody can take part utilizing their very own iPhone so as to add songs to the queue, react with on-screen emoji, or take a flip and sing together with their favourite artists,” Washington stated.
