Apple’s September 15 update rollout wasn’t just about iPhones and Macs. Alongside iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe, the company officially launched tvOS 26, bringing one of the biggest visual and feature overhauls Apple TV has ever seen. From a striking new design to smarter entertainment tools, the update puts Apple’s set-top box closer to being a true living room hub.
A Fresh Look: Liquid Glass Design
At the heart of tvOS 26 is Liquid Glass, Apple’s new design language. It introduces a softer, more organic interface with translucent menus, floating windows, and rounded edges that feel modern yet playful. On Apple TV, Liquid Glass translates into a cinematic browsing experience, complete with immersive poster art when browsing movies and shows.
Unfortunately, this design is only available on the 2021 and 2022 Apple TV 4K models. Owners of older Apple TV HD or early 4K models will still get tvOS 26 features, but without the full Liquid Glass makeover.
Entertainment Upgrades and New Features
Beyond its looks, tvOS 26 packs several entertainment-focused updates:
Apple Music Sing: Turn your Apple TV into a karaoke machine. Using an iPhone as a microphone, users can sing along with lyrics on-screen. Multiple iPhones can join in, complete with real-time emoji reactions. The catch? It’s only supported on the 2022 Apple TV 4K.
Controller Support: Full compatibility with PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller makes Apple TV a more capable casual gaming device.
Audio Enhancements: Dolby Atmos sees refinements, and users can now designate any AirPlay-enabled speaker as their default audio output.
FaceTime Improvements: Contact Posters now bring a more personal touch to calls, while Live Captions expand to new languages like Spanish, French, and German.
Aerial Screen Savers: Apple has added breathtaking new visuals — including landscapes shot across India — and, for the first time, lets you hand-pick which aerials appear. You can toggle between Cityscapes, Earth, Landscapes, or Underwater scenes to create a personalized rotation.
Where tvOS 26 Falls Short
While the update is ambitious, its best features feel segmented. The Liquid Glass redesign doesn’t extend to older models, and Apple Music Sing requires newer hardware. Some users may even welcome the absence of Liquid Glass if they prefer the current minimalist look.
Is It Time for New Apple TV Hardware?
The Apple TV refresh cycle is much slower than iPhones or MacBooks, and we’re now three years removed from the last release. Rumors suggest a fourth-generation Apple TV 4K could debut later this year, possibly with Apple Intelligence features, Bluetooth 5.3, and Wi-Fi 7 support.
If true, that device would likely ship with Liquid Glass built in and deliver a smoother, more powerful experience. With Apple’s fall calendar winding down, October remains the last window for such a launch in 2025.
Should You Update?
Yes. Even if you don’t get Liquid Glass, tvOS 26 adds meaningful improvements across the board—from karaoke nights with Apple Music Sing to finer control over your screen savers. Updating is as simple as heading to Settings > System > Software Updates on your Apple TV and making sure your internet connection is stable.
Bottom line: tvOS 26 may not be the perfect update for everyone, but it sets the stage for Apple TV’s next chapter. Between Liquid Glass, personalized entertainment tools, and whispers of a new Apple TV on the horizon, Apple’s set-top box is finally starting to feel exciting again.
