tvOS 18: Everything to know about Apple TV operating system

Apple's tvOS 18 is the latest iter͏ation of the Ap͏pl͏e TV operating system, offering an enhanced viewing experience with intelligent features͏ and deepe͏r ͏integra͏tion into t͏he Apple͏ eco͏sy͏stem. Building on the success of previous ͏v͏ersions, tvO͏S 18 introduces innovations ͏aimed at improving usa͏bility, entert͏ainment options, and smart home capabilities for Apple ͏T͏V users.

---

Everything you need to know about tvOS 18

Release Date

tvOS update is officia͏lly dropping on September 16, 2024, marking it͏s pub͏li͏c deb͏ut af͏ter being͏ ͏pre͏view͏ed earlier this year. Ap͏ple TV 4K and ot͏he͏r͏ comp͏atible devices will receive the upda͏te ͏automat͏ically or ͏t͏hrough manual in͏stallation.

---

Key features in tvOS 18

Apple InSight feature in action (Image via Apple)

With tvOS 18, Apple brings a range of new features designed to make Apple TV more intuitive and interactive.

• InSight for Real-time Information: A standout addition is InSight, which enhances your viewing by delivering real-time information about actors, characters, and music in Apple TV+ shows and movies. This feature makes it easier to learn more about what you’re watching without interrupting the experience.
• Enhanced Dialogue with Machine Learning: Apple is improving sound clarity with its Enhance Dialogue feature, which uses machine learning and computational audio to isolate and elevate voices. This ensures clearer dialogue, especially in scenes where background noise or music may interfere with speech.
• Smarter Subtitles: The new update introduces auto-triggering subtitles, making them appear at key moments. Whether you mute the TV, skip back to rewatch a scene, or encounter dialogue in a different language, tvOS 18 will automatically display subtitles when needed.
• New Screen Savers: New screen savers come to Apple TV 4K, including a collection called Portraits that adds a beautiful visual experience when the TV is idle.
• Home App Enhancements: tvOS 18 also brings updates to the Home app, adding guest access with iOS 18. This allows you to grant temporary control to guests for locks, garage doors, and security systems. Homeowners can also schedule time-based access and monitor guest activity with the Activity History feature. Additionally, Apple is partnering with utilities like Pacific Gas and Electric to provide users with more insight into their home electricity usage.
• SharePlay & Audio Features: Houseguests can now control music from HomePod and HomePod mini using SharePlay and Apple Music, making it easy to collaborate on music choices. Plus, AirPlay with Spatial Audio brings an immersive sound experience when streaming audio from iPhone or iPad to HomePod or compatible third-party speakers.
• Live Captions for FaceTime: FaceTime with Continuity Camera on Apple TV now includes Live Captions for English in the U.S. and Canada, so users can read conversations directly on their TV screen, making it accessible for everyone during video calls.
• Apple Fitness+ Redesign: Apple Fitness+ receives a facelift with a brand-new design in tvOS 18. It includes personalized workout recommendations, a robust search feature, and enhanced award tracking to keep users motivated throughout their fitness journey.
• 21:9 Support: Later this year, tvOS 18 will introduce 21:9 aspect ratio support for projectors, allowing users to enjoy a cinematic viewing experience.

---

The new tvOS is more than just an entertainment platform — it’s becoming a central hub for your smart home, fitness, and personalized media experiences. This update brings Apple TV closer to being a comprehensive home entertainment system that does more than just stream your favorite shows.