As of early 2024, tvOS 18 has been officially released for Apple TV users, boasting an array of exciting and practical features, particularly beneficial for subscribers of Apple TV+ and Apple Fitness+.
This latest iteration of tvOS is compatible with all Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD models, although certain enhancements are restricted to Apple TV 4K devices.
The update introduces InSight, a feature that provides in-depth information about actors, characters, and music during live-action films and shows available on Apple TV+. Users familiar with Amazon Prime Video may recognize this as a comparable function to the X-ray feature.
Additionally, tvOS 18 enhances the Enhance Dialogue feature, utilizing machine learning and advanced audio processing for improved vocal clarity. Subtitles now exhibit smart behaviors and will pop up at optimal moments, such as when you mute or rewind, or when the language in a film or show does not align with the language settings on your Apple TV.
Apple TV is also known for its beautiful screen savers, and tvOS 18 introduces a new option called Portraits. However, this feature is exclusive to Apple TV 4K. Users can select their beloved photos—whether of friends, pets, breathtaking landscapes, or urban scenes—and display them alongside a stylized clock.
Live Captions for FaceTime has been enhanced in tvOS 18, allowing viewers to read subtitles for what others are saying during FaceTime calls displayed on their TV. This feature is currently available in English in the United States and Canada.
The Apple Fitness+ app has also been revamped with a fresh design in tvOS 18, featuring personalized workout and meditation recommendations, an improved search function, and upgraded awards tracking.
Apple continues to position the Apple TV as a central control hub for its HomeKit features. The new updates in tvOS 18 include options introduced in iOS 18, such as guest access, allowing users to enable visitors with iPhones to control smart home devices like locks and garage doors. Users can also set up time-bound access for guests and keep a record of their activity.
While not exclusive to Apple TV, the iOS 18 update enhances user experience by allowing guests to manage music playback from HomePod and HomePod mini using SharePlay with Apple Music. Furthermore, AirPlay now supports spatial audio when streaming from an iPhone or iPad to compatible audio equipment.
It is worth noting that two promised features for tvOS 18—the ability to play movies and shows in 21:9 aspect ratio on projectors and new screen savers featuring characters like Snoopy—will become available later this year. Additionally, compatibility with robot vacuum cleaners for the Home app is also forthcoming.
How to Upgrade
If automatic updates are enabled, your compatible Apple TV will download and install tvOS 18 automatically in the coming days. However, if you want to access the new features immediately, follow these steps:
- On the Apple TV Home screen, navigate to the Settings app.
- Select System from the options provided.
- In the System menu, find and click on Software Updates.
- Click on Update Software, then select Download and Install when prompted.
- The download and installation process will commence, which may take up to 20 minutes.
- Once the update is complete, you will be given the option to Update Now or Update Later. Choose Update Now.
- The system will install the software, and your Apple TV will automatically restart. After the restart, you may be asked to agree to a new set of Terms of Service related to iCloud and other services.