tvOS 27 was not mentioned when Apple unveiled iOS 27, perhaps because its best features are waiting for the new Apple TV 4K hardware. But there are a few tvOS 27 additions we already know about—here’s what’s coming.
#1: The redesigned Apple Podcasts app
Following the recent introduction of Apple Podcasts new video features on iPhone and iPad, the application receives a new development on Apple TV and with tvOS 27.
Per Apple’s press release:
Apple Podcasts on tvOS also features a complete redesign with video podcast playback, new sidebar navigation for easier browsing, and support for podcast creators’ episodes and artwork. The update makes it easier to find and enjoy video content on the big screen.
#2: AutoMix and Hi-Res Lossless Audio for Apple Music
tvOS 27 also adds new Apple Music features that were available on iPhone and iPad, but not on Apple TV.
For the first time, AutoMix will be available in tvOS 27 with music changer. If you’re hosting a party or just want to stream your favorite music to your home’s biggest speakers, you’ll now be able to use AutoMix’s DJ-style transitions—a breakthrough from Apple this year.
Hi-Res Lossless Audio is another new feature of tvOS 27. According to Apple:
Apple Music also brings Hi-Res Lossless Audio to tvOS, in addition to standard Lossless audio. Subscribers with compatible external speaker outputs will be able to enjoy their favorite songs in the highest sound quality and experience studio-quality sound directly through their Apple TV 4K.
#3: Update the Apple TV software with the iPhone Home app
The iPhone’s Home app has long been the place to review HomePod software. But with iOS 27 and tvOS 27, you’ll be able to update your Apple TV software there as well.
Right in the same Software Update menu in Home Settings, Apple TV devices now appear, allowing you to download and install the latest tvOS updates.
Thanks to this addition, you can install the latest software if your Apple TV isn’t up to date, ensuring that you won’t have to wait for an update to install it later, right when you’re looking forward to watching.
#4: Large text sizes with Dynamic Type
TV size, distance from the screen, and viewing quality all vary for Apple TV users. And in tvOS 27, Apple is adding a welcome accessibility feature to help ensure the UI is suitable for all.
tvOS 27 adds support for larger text sizes with the system-wide Dynamic Type feature.
You will be able to choose, in the slider, how large you want the text size to be for the content of the app. After that tvOS 27 will automatically configure itself for all supported applications.
Bonus: ‘Smart Download’
This tvOS 27 feature is admittedly not detailed yet, which is why I’m listing it as a ‘bonus.’
When Apple introduced its software platforms at WWDC, it laid out a huge slide of new features and changes. That slide said: “Smart downloads on Apple TV.”
What does it mean? We don’t know yet. It’s not clear if Apple is introducing a video downloader in tvOS 27, or if the feature is strictly related to App Store downloads. Here’s hoping it’s the first.
What new Apple TV features in tvOS 27 do you hope will be announced later? Let us know in the comments.
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