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Features, downloads, release date, compatibility and more

Posted on by darion

tvOS 18 is Apple’s upcoming new operating system for the Apple TV streaming media player and HomePod speakers. After the full tvOS 17 update, tvOS 18 adds useful features. While iOS 18 is packed with AI features, here’s what Apple promised for its set-top boxes.

tvOS 18 features

Here are all the features available in tvOS 18.

The Apple TV app is getting some improvements

Image source: Apple Inc.

To improve the Apple TV experience, Apple has added several TV app improvements to tvOS 18, including:

  • View: An Amazon Prime Video-like feature that displays real-time updates on actors, characters and music from Apple TV+ movies and shows. Users can select an actor to view their origins and filmography page, or quickly view the song playing in a scene and add it to an Apple Music playlist.
  • Strengthen the dialogue: This feature is getting smarter, using machine learning and computational audio to deliver greater voice clarity over music, action and background noise on Apple TV 4K. In addition to HomePod speakers, users can now use Enhance Dialogue when listening through built-in TV or HDMI-connected speakers, AirPods and other Bluetooth-connected devices, and when playing supported content on iPhone and iPad;
  • Automatic subtitles: Subtitles now automatically appear in tvOS 18 at appropriate times, such as when the language of a show or movie doesn’t match the language of the device, when the user mutes the sound, or when they go back while watching something.

New video formats, screensavers and more

Image source: Apple Inc.

tvOS 18 brings 21:9 support for people who connect Apple TV to a projector to play movies and shows. In addition, the company introduced new screensaversSuch as:

  • Portraits;
  • TV & Movies (with Snoopy and Foundation)

For FaceTime with Continuity Cameraadds Apple Live captions for English in the US and Canada, so users can read on their TV what others are saying during a FaceTime call.

Apple Services and Home Features

Image source: Apple Inc.

Apple Fitness+ has been redesigned in tvOS 18 to help users get the most out of the library, stay motivated, and stay consistent with their exercise plans. Updates include a personalized For You space, Explore and Library spaces, search features, and improved rewards.

Through partnerships with leading utilities, including Pacific Gas & Electric Company in California, authorized users can easily view their electric energy usage in the Energy category in the Home app after connecting your utility account.

The Home application also introduces guest access, providing users with convenient ways to give guests control over locks, garage doors and security systems; schedule individualized or temporary access to your home using smart locks; and view Guest Activity History

The Photos app is getting its biggest update yet

Apple has an ambitious plan for the Photos app in tvOS 18. With the redesign, Apple wants to make it easier for users to find and experience special moments. WITH single view displayoffers new collections to help users browse by topic without having to organize content into albums.

Collections can be pinned for easy access to your favorites. New carousel view presents highlights that are updated daily and feature your favorite people, animals, places and more. Apple says autoplaying content in the app brings libraries to life “so you can enjoy past moments while browsing.”

Apple Music SharePlay

Image credit: José Adorno for BGR

During the beta testing of tvOS 17.4, Apple planned to add Apple Music SharePlay to Apple TV. Users will be able to add songs to a queue by scanning a QR code. Unfortunately, Apple removed this feature and did not restore it even in tvOS 17.5.

For tvOS 18, Apple will re-introduce this feature, so everyone can share control of HomePod and HomePod mini music playback with SharePlay and Apple Music. Apple explains: “To join a SharePlay session, users can simply hold iPhone close to another iPhone or scan the QR code in the Apple Music SharePlay window on another iPhone to add songs to a playlist and control playback even if they . You don’t have an Apple Music subscription.”

Delayed features

tvOS 18 isn’t available yet, but Apple has already announced that two features will be available at a later date:

  • Robot vacuum cleaners are now compatible with the Home app so they can participate in automations and scenes, and can also be activated by the user’s voice using Siri.
  • AirPlay adds surround sound so users can get an immersive audio experience, including Dolby Atmos support, when using AirPlay to stream audio from iPhone and iPad to HomePod and compatible third-party audio equipment.

tvOS 18 release date

After Apple unveiled tvOS 18 during its WWDC 2024 keynote, it has released a beta version of the upcoming OS update.

A public beta will be made available by July, with the official release date expected to be in September, around the announcement of the iPhone 16. Since the company offered a public beta to HomePod owners last year, Apple could do the same for its upcoming software this year.

tvOS 18 beta and public beta

The tvOS 18 beta is available to Apple TV users. Just follow the steps below:

  • Open settings
  • Tap System and then Software Updates
  • Select Download Beta Updates, accept the terms, and select tvOS 18 Beta Developer or tvOS 18 Public Beta
  • Update your TV to the latest version available

Compatible Apple TV and HomePod models

Apple TV 4K tvOS 17Image source: Apple Inc.

Since Apple introduced tvOS, the company has supported all Apple TV models since the 2015 HD version. The same applies to tvOS 18, and all previously supported devices can be found here:

  • Apple TV HD (2015)
  • Apple TV 4K (1st generation)
  • Apple TV 4K (2nd generation)
  • Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)
  • HomePod (2018)
  • HomePod mini (2020)
  • HomePod 2 (2023)