tvOS might be the Apple working system that will get the fewest updates annually, and that is not going to vary in 2025. However because of the design overhaul that Apple is introducing throughout all of its software program platforms, tvOS is ready to get some attention-grabbing new options.
Naming
As we have famous a number of instances this week, Apple is altering the naming for its working system updates. After tvOS 18, we’re getting tvOS 26 as a substitute of tvOS 19. The “26” represents the September 2025 to September 2026 launch season for tvOS, with Apple planning to make use of the identical numbering throughout iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and visionOS too.
Up to date Design
The visionOS-style design replace that is coming to iOS, iPadOS, and macOS can even prolong to tvOS. tvOS tends to get little consideration comparatively so we do not have particular particulars on what’s altering, however we are able to extrapolate a bit from the iOS rumors.
iOS 26 will undertake an interface that riffs on visionOS, with a give attention to translucency, floating menus and home windows, and extra rounded design parts. It has been described as utilizing mild and shadow to provide off a glass-like impact, which we are able to see within the imagery that Apple is utilizing to advertise WWDC.
tvOS 26 may undertake among the identical translucency for menus, app icons, buttons, and different components of the interface, plus it may get the identical floating look and extra dramatically rounded edges for buttons and home windows which can be typical of visionOS.
Apple needs the expertise of utilizing its varied platforms to really feel extra cohesive, which is why all the pieces is getting among the identical design adjustments.
Screensavers
It is typical for Apple to introduce new screensavers with tvOS updates, so we are able to maybe anticipate to see new aerial screensaver choices, in addition to screensavers that match the up to date aesthetic. Final yr, Apple got here out with Snoopy screensavers, so we may get extra of these too, or one other partnership.
Video games App
Apple plans to debut a brand new cross-platform Video games app that can function a one-stop spot for locating and launching video games. On the Apple TV, it would characteristic a spread of video games that may run on the system, together with third-party video games and Apple Arcade video games.
The Video games app will basically characteristic all the video games part of the tvOS App Retailer. It is also anticipated to have options like achievements, leaderboards, and suggestions from Apple editors. There may additionally be new instruments for speaking with different gamers.
Wi-Fi Syncing
In case you’re within the uncommon state of affairs of needing to attach your Apple TV to a captive community at a school or comparable location, you will be glad to listen to a couple of new captive Wi-Fi syncing choice that is coming to Apple’s platforms.
With this characteristic, you will solely must log right into a captive community on one in all your Apple gadgets, and the login info will sync to all the pieces else signed into your Apple Account.
Suggestions
There is no rumor about tvOS adopting Apple Intelligence, however Apple is increasing AI throughout its platforms. tvOS may gain advantage from AI options that higher study from person preferences to make extra tailor-made content material suggestions on what to observe subsequent.
If and when Apple introduces main Apple Intelligence updates to Siri, we may see a few of these options accessible on the Apple TV.
WWDC 2025 Keynote
Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote will start on Monday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Apple will dwell stream the occasion on its web site, on YouTube, and within the TV app.
In case you’re not in a position to watch dwell, we’ll have a dwell weblog and protection of the bulletins right here at MacRumors, plus we’ll be dwell tweeting the occasion on the MacRumorsLive account.
