Apple's tvOS 26 software has officially launched, allowing you to upgrade your Apple TV 4K to its newest firmware.
The new update offers several key features, including a Liquid Glass interface, which is only available on second and third-generation devices, wireless speaker pairing, and a karaoke app that turns your iPhone into a microphone.
Several other updates are also available on the platform, including PS5 DualSense controller support, Aerial screensaver changes, and more. Here's everything you can now do with your Apple TV 4K on tvOS 26.
How to download tvOS 26
We already highlighted how to download the tvOS 26 public beta, and getting the finalized software doesn't stray too much from those steps. Head to Settings, System, and click Update Software.
A window should pop up asking if you're ready for the update. If you are, click yes, and your tvOS 26 download should begin. It's that simple!
Just don't power off or unplug the device while it's downloading the update. Also, don't turn off your Wi-Fi either. The update should take around thirty minutes at most, but this may vary depending on internet speeds and the device you're using.
Apple says the release will launch on September 15 at 10 AM PT and 1 PM ET, but I was able to update my device as early as 9 AM ET. This might be because I'm enrolled in the beta program, but it doesn't hurt to check if you can download the update at the earliest.
To see if you're on the new update, check the bottom of the same page. It should read: tvOS 26, just like the image above. Alternatively, you can also click Update Software again, and it should alert you to a new update or explain that you're on the latest firmware.
Peering through the Liquid Glass
Apple has advertised its new Liquid Glass interface as a total game-changer for its devices, and it does look slick on tvOS 26. Liquid Glass is a transparent interface that blends neatly into the foreground of your content, so menus and settings aren't off-putting in the middle of your favorite shows and movies.
The major downside is that Liquid Glass is only supported on newer hardware, specifically second-generation and third-generation Apple TV 4K models. This means the Apple TV HD and the first-gen TV 4K won't get the slick new interface.
It's also only available in Apple software. If you're prone to using Netflix, Disney Plus, or Prime Video over Apple TV Plus or other Apple apps, you won't get the benefits of the Liquid Glass interface, as these apps use their own menus.
The control center will still be in the liquid glass format, no matter which app you're in. To display the control center, hold the home button on your remote for a short period. A small window will appear at the top right of the screen, allowing you to adjust various settings, like Wi-Fi, audio, and your sleep timer.
New device pairing
With tvOS 26, you can now pair wireless speakers to your Apple TV 4K using AirPlay. It's a handy feature for those who want instant audio connectivity over using HDMI eARC with their TV.
While you could connect devices using AirPlay in the past, now some of the best soundbars can be permanently paired with your Apple streaming box. This is a huge update and quality of life improvement for users who prefer wireless audio connectivity, but it does require AirPlay support on the soundbar or speaker system in question.
However, a few limitations persist with AirPlay connectivity. The big one is no Dolby Atmos support in this pairing mode, as AirPlay audio is limited to stereo. You also only get video and audio, which means menus and even game sounds won't work with AirPlay connectivity.
These are two serious letdowns that Apple needs to address in the near future. AirPlay also relies on Wi-Fi, so you will need a robust ecosystem for this connectivity to function properly.
You can now pair your Sony DualSense controller with the Apple TV 4K, which is a huge win for gamers. Unfortunately, the Apple TV 4K isn't home to the most robust library of games, but the DualSense controller can be used not just in Arcade, but also as a remote. Even the PS button in the center pulls up the control center when pressed, which is a nice touch.
Other notable updates
Following the tvOS 26 update, you might notice a new App with a microphone on your home screen. Meet Apple Music Sing, a fun karaoke app that can turn your iPhone into a microphone. The app lets you use the extensive library available in Apple Music, allowing you to sing along to your favorite tracks.
It might not be for everyone, but it's a handy addition for get-togethers, especially if you're fond of making a fool of yourself. Music Sing even uses special AI to lower the vocals on tracks, allowing your voice to stand out as you passionately sing along to the on-screen lyrics.
What song will you karaoke to first? Mine's "Don't Say You Love Me" by M2M.
Apple has also upgraded other features, like Matter/Thread support, Dolby Atmos, FaceTime, and added Metal 4. For spatial audio and Dolby Atmos, Apple has added support for 9.1.6 speaker configurations. FaceTime received expanded live caption support, call notifications for the active profile, and contact posters with customized photos and names.
You can now automatically sign in to select applications, making setup and switching between profiles a total breeze. Apple's new app login APIs make this possible by tying your Apple ID to a particular streaming platform or application. The major kicker? Very few developers have adopted it yet, so the benefits are limited at the moment.
Finally, Apple has also made Aerial screensavers much easier to enjoy. In tvOS 26, you can now select specific Aerials you like or deselect the ones you don't want shown when the screensaver plays. Apple's also added new Aerials from India.
To make these changes, go to Settings, Screensaver, then select Aerials. From here, choose Aerials, and you can select or deselect the ones you want shown in your screensaver. Deselected Aerials will show a crossed-out eye.
If you also want to hide the iTunes app, tvOS 26 now allows you to do just that. While still in the Settings tab, look for the Apps menu and click into iTunes Movies & TV Shows. Within the iTunes Movies section, select the "Hide" option and you're all set.
More from Tom's Guide
- Apple TV 4K is still the best streaming box when it comes to privacy
- Apple TVs just got a big Dolby Atmos boost thanks to tvOS 18.5
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