Apple forgot to say one of many greatest upgrades included in tvOS 26

One other Apple convention has come and gone, and in case you’re an Apple fan, I discover it troublesome to seek out an excessive amount of to be upset about. The Liquid Glass display seems to be nice, and though it is not coming to my first-gen Apple TV 4K, it is one thing I stay up for as soon as I lastly make an improve. Other than that, the presentation consisted of small upgrades that make the viewing expertise higher, however there was nothing actually game-changing from what I may see.

As a matter of truth, the most important factor to come back out of the occasion wasn’t even talked about. As a part of the upcoming tvOS 26 replace, Apple revealed that audio passthrough is turning into a actuality. This data did not come from Apple making an enormous announcement, however as a substitute, it was discovered within the launch notes for the brand new tvOS model. That is one thing many house owners have been clamoring for, so it is shocking to see Apple not make an enormous deal about it.

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Audiio passthrough doesn’t suggest a lot to individuals who watch exhibits or films utilizing their TV audio — one thing you actually should not be doing in 2025. In case you have a correct audio system or perhaps a soundbar, then audio passthrough is vital. As you already know, or may not know, the Apple TV 4K would not permit passthrough, and it as a substitute decodes all of the audio going by it. That is fantastic for lots of people, particularly if most of what you watch has Dolby Atmos audio. The Apple TV 4K handles that simply fantastic, however there are different audio codecs it could actually’t deal with. The result’s that a lot of what I watch on streaming providers comes by on my receiver studying as “Multi-In” which implies the Apple TV would not formally assist the audio format, and it’s ridiculous.

The sound nonetheless comes by, however it’s not so good as it must be as a result of it is in a format that is not acknowledged. Many different streamers permit for audio passthrough, together with the cheaper Roku Ultra. Having this ensures what you are listening to is in the very best format it may be in, offered your audio system can deal with it. As anyone who has invested a good quantity in my setup, it is painful to see the Apple TV 4K typically not even put it to use. I am not alone in feeling this fashion, and it has been primary on the wishlist of future Apple TV options for many individuals.

In any case this time, it looks like Apple has lastly heard the pleas from homeowners. I do not perceive why a much bigger deal wasn’t made out of it, however I am glad it is occurring. This unified replace scheme from Apple is sweet information for not solely Apple TV homeowners, but in addition homeowners of different Apple merchandise. It seems like audio passthrough is coming to all the things Apple manufactures, together with watchOS of all issues. I am undecided what an Apple Watch proprietor wants that for, but when that is a part of the rationale it is quickly to be out there on Apple TV, I will not complain. The best way I see it’s that this can be a internet win for everyone. It helps put the Apple TV 4K additional forward in the very best streaming field race, and I do not know the way different firms can catch up until Apple shoots itself within the foot.

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I’ve my fingers crossed that my first-gen Apple TV 4K will get entry to audio passthrough, however with Apple’s observe document, I am unable to totally assure it. My gadget would not have the Snoopy backgrounds, differing facet ratios, and it will not get Liquid Glass. Whereas these are glorious causes to improve, I do not see why Apple is not sharing the love. We’re speaking about Snoopy backgrounds being locked behind sure fashions, and I simply can’t perceive what the reason being for that.

Audio passthrough would not look like one thing that might require a {hardware} replace, however I am unable to rule it out. Apple has largely been locking out the first-gen Apple TV 4K, and the second-gen has missed out on options as of late. It is smart for Apple to push its latest merchandise, however the omissions have been head-scratching. It’s totally simple to examine audio passthrough passing up my mannequin as a result of that is the best way Apple has been working.

A brand new Apple TV 4K is rumored to be on the horizon, and it is one thing I have been trying ahead to. I am properly conscious my mannequin is approaching a decade previous, and whereas it nonetheless works, I would wish to get enthusiastic about these Apple conferences by understanding my gadget continues to be getting updates. I am nonetheless getting tvOS 26, however it’s not coming with any of the cool stuff. I’ll preserve utilizing it till it lastly offers out, however it’d be good if I may try this in a spare bed room as a substitute of in my front room. I need one thing that has all of the high-end bells and whistles in my front room, and that is going to be the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K if Apple ever decides to announce it.

My solely want is that there is not sufficient worth enhance. The Apple TV 4K is already the most costly streaming field in the marketplace by an honest margin, so going up even larger may very well be very detrimental. Whereas I like what the Apple TV 4K has to supply, the truth is that not all people is prepared to pay over $100 for a streaming field. I think about some folks get the identical worth out of a Roku Streaming Stick as they do with an costly field. A lower cost and even an Apple streaming stick may assist Apple acquire some market share, however I am getting forward of myself for the time being.

We’re now midway by the yr, so it appears like time is operating out for Apple to announce some new {hardware}. There’s nonetheless hope it may occur within the fall to launch in time for the vacations, however it’s anyone’s guess at this level. It has been the longest it is ever been between Apple TV 4K generations now, so we’re already in unprecedented territory.

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