Apple today released tvOS 26 to the public, the latest version of the tvOS operating system for the Apple TV and Apple TV 4K. tvOS 26 is compatible with the original Apple TV HD from 2015 as well as all Apple TV 4K models. Liquid Glass requires the second-generation Apple TV 4K or later.
The tvOS 26 update can be downloaded via the Settings app on the Apple TV by going to “System” -> “Software Update.” If you have automatic software updates turned on your Apple TV will be upgraded to tvOS 26 automatically.
The new software brings several new and improved features, including a new design with Liquid Glass, cinematic poster art, updates to Apple Music Sing, enhancements to profile-switching and a streamlined way to log in to apps.
The new tvOS 26 design uses a new material called Liquid Glass. Apple says it “brings a vibrant look to Apple TV, delivering a fresh and expressive design that beautifully reflects and refracts its surroundings using real-time rendering.” The new design keeps the content center stage while fast-forwarding or rewinding, starting a sleep timer, adjusting audio, or setting a “Movie night” scene in Control Center.
The Apple TV app now uses new poster art incorporating Liquid Glass, allowing more shows and movies to be displayed. Users will now have the choice to automatically display profiles when Apple TV wakes, allowing them to quickly return to their recommendations and Watchlist in the TV app and playlists in Apple Music.
tvOS 26 allows users to transform their iPhone into a handheld microphone for Apple TV, amplifying their voices as they “sing” their favorite songs. Everyone can jump in by queueing up songs or reacting with onscreen emoji from their own iPhone. Real-time lyrics and visual effects appear on the big screen, Sing in Apple Music also now offers Lyrics Translation and Pronunciation, allowing users to follow and sing along to songs, even if they don’t know the language.
tvOS 26 also introduces a new API for developers that links app logins to an Apple Account, making it easier for users to sign in to their favorite apps, shows, and movies when setting up a new Apple TV.
A more personalized FaceTime experience comes to the Apple TV, with Contact Posters that display a contact’s customized photo and name when starting a FaceTime call on Apple TV. Live Captions now include French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Spanish. Apple TV uses on-device intelligence to display Live Captions for FaceTime conversations. FaceTime audio and phone call notifications appear on-screen for the active profile, allowing users to answer on connected HomePod speakers or their iPhone.
Additional updates in tvOS 26 include new Aerial screensavers captured across India, including in Goa and Kerala. Users can now personalize their screen saver experience, with the ability to select specific Cityscape, Earth, Landscape, or Underwater Aerials to display or hide. Any AirPlay-enabled speaker can be designated as the permanent speaker for Apple TV.
