tvOS26 is here but your Apple TV device might be missing some features

News
By published

Not every new feature is available for older models

Apple TV
(Image credit: Future)

Apple's suite of operating systems received updates this past Monday (September 15), with everything from iOS 26 to macOS Tahoe getting new features and a unified interface. That spate of updates also included tvOS 26, the latest version of Apple's software for its Apple TV set-top boxes.

Like the other software updates, tVOS 26's big update is the new Liquid Glass visual redesign that brings a fresh look to the system. Unfortunately, if you own an older Apple TV streaming box you might not get Liquid Glass or some other new features.

It's time for an Apple TV 4K update

tvOS 26 update Sing app

(Image credit: Future)

UnlikeiPhones and MacBooks, the Apple TV is on one of Apple's longer refresh cycles. We're three years out since the last model came out and it's starting to get long in the tooth.

A fourth-generation Apple TV set-top box has been rumored to launch since last summer, with rumors claiming the device would support Apple Intelligence features and updated Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 7 standards.

More than likely the next Apple TV will ship with Liquid Glass out of the box, and should be a much smoother experience on a potentially more powerful device.

Current leaks point to the next Apple TV launching this year, but with WWDC and the iPhone 17 launch in the rear view mirror, we're running out of time in 2025. There's a possibility of one last Apple event, possibly in October, which is when we sometimes see new MacBooks.

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

More from Tom's Guide

TOPICS
Scott Younker
Scott Younker
West Coast Reporter

Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. He also handles all the Connections coverage on Tom's Guide and has been playing the addictive NYT game since it released.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.