Abstract
- Audio passthrough function in tvOS 26 permits for a variety of audio codecs for higher sound high quality.
- Liquid Glass show in tvOS 26 offers the Apple TV interface a modern, trendy look.
- Profile choice setting in tvOS 26 prevents algorithm points by making certain the proper profile is chosen each time.
For the primary time in a very long time, I am excited a couple of tvOS replace. Apple revealed tvOS 26 alongside iOS 26, and there is a lot to look ahead to. The meat of the replace is the Liquid Glass show, which can make your interface look quite a bit sleeker than it presently does. The Apple TV UI, because it stands, is okay, however it’s not precisely one thing particular to take a look at.
An overhaul, while I had reservations, was wanted as a result of the Apple TV UI appeared just a little too easy. After seeing Apple reveal what was in retailer for tvOS 26, I grew to become a believer. There’s quite a bit that I am in search of on the horizon, and I can see myself lastly pulling the set off on an Apple TV 4K improve that I have been holding off on for therefore lengthy.
- Model
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Apple
- Bluetooth codecs
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5.0
- Wi-Fi
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6
- Ethernet
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Gigabit (128GB mannequin solely)
- Storage and RAM
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64GB, 128GB

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1
Audio passthrough is an enormous deal
Lengthy have we waited
Pocket-lint / Apple
Other than some visible upgrades, tvOS 26 is introducing a much-awaited function with audio passthrough. At the moment, the Apple TV system handles your audio and converts it, however with audio passthrough you possibly can ship it ahead to your receiver and let that do the work. This opens up a variety of various audio codecs, and it will lead to higher sound if in case you have the necessary hardware, like a soundbar or audio system.
For instance. I’ve a 5.1 encompass sound setup, however the majority of my streaming content material comes by means of my receiver as “Multi-In” since my Apple TV 4K does not acknowledge the audio sign being despatched by means of. When a film or present outputs Dolby Atmos, it is all good, however that is not the case with many issues I watch. My receiver would haven’t any downside dealing with any format, however the Apple TV 4K is proscribed. This is the reason audio passthrough is an enormous deal, and I hope it rolls out to all Apple TV 4K gadgets and never simply the newest technology. I do not see why this could not be a software program change, however Apple would possibly decide that it requires a {hardware} refresh.

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2
Liquid Glass seems good
A modern improve
I wasn’t clamoring for a UI improve by any means, however I am not upset after seeing how good the whole lot seems. Apple needs all of its gadgets to share an identical look to make it straightforward to transition between them. The Apple TV 4K is the one Apple product I’ve, so it does not make any distinction to me, however it’s a pleasant contact that I am positive folks entrenched within the Apple ecosystem recognize.
Sadly, my first-gen Apple TV 4K is not getting this replace, however it’s one thing I look ahead to seeing once I make an improve. It is not an earth-shattering change by any means, however it’s one thing that goes a good distance towards serving to the Apple TV interface, and each Apple system, look extra trendy. Even screens as small as an Apple Watch are getting this replace, so it is clear Apple feels good about this replace and needs all people to expertise what it has to supply.

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3
No extra ruining anyone’s algorithm
Simpler profile switching
Apple / Pocket-lint
When you’ve got a household that each one makes use of the Apple TV 4K, you understand how annoying it may be to overlook to modify between profiles and muck up anyone else’s suggestions. Fortunately, I share a profile with only one different particular person, and we regularly watch the identical issues, so there’s nothing to fret about. Nonetheless, it is easy to think about how an grownup’s style and a toddler’s differ. I do know I would not prefer to be advisable PAW Patrol in every single place I look.
With tvOS 26, you possibly can toggle on a setting that makes you choose a profile if you flip in your Apple TV. This implies you do not have to fret about forgetting to modify since you’ll have to pick out one thing every time you flip in your system. This could alleviate any issues you have got, and your algorithm will not be destroyed by anyone watching a bunch of stuff you’re not fascinated about.

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4
Extra intuitive for establishing new gadgets
An enormous time saver
Apple
After I was establishing my Roku Streaming Stick in my basement, it was very straightforward because of all my app logins being tied to my Roku account. I’ve a Roku Extremely in my bed room that’s signed in to the whole lot, and I used to be dreading having to do it once more with my Roku Streaming Stick. Thankfully, that wasn’t an issue as the whole lot signed in as I arrange the system. This similar performance is coming to tvOS.
I haven’t got a second Apple TV 4K but, however once I get one, I am going to recognize having the ability to arrange the brand new system with out a lot of a headache. There are a whole lot of streaming companies on the market, so it is good to save lots of time once I can. Whereas Apple TV is way forward of different streamers in some areas, it is apparent it lags behind in conditions reminiscent of this. I am glad tvOS 26 is addressing this as a result of it is a large deal for me, and I think about it’s going to be one thing many individuals are joyful about in the event that they decide up a second system.

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