Apple TV Users Complain About tvOS 16.2 'Watch Now' Redesign

[fontman]

Apple TV users are not happy with design changes that Apple added to the Apple TV app with the launch of tvOS 16.2, iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS Ventura 13.1, according to a number of complaints shared on Reddit.

Apple with tvOS 16.2 and its sister updates demoted the "Up Next" section in the "Watch Now" tab of the Apple TV app, instead adding a large featured content section with no option to disable it. The previews also autoplay content with audio, much to the annoyance of Apple TV users. From Reddit user Sean310:
When tvOS 16.2 was being beta tested, there was a full "Featured" section that was shown above Up Next, but after a number of complaints, Apple changed the design. "Up Next" continues to be visible at the bottom of the Watch Now tab, but the majority of the interface is taken up by a rotating carousel featured shows and TV moves.

There is no way to toggle off the featured section or to revert to the interface that put more focus on Up Next, and as it transitions through content, Apple offers options to "Go to Show" or "Go to Movie" quick links. Though the interface change has been available since tvOS 16.2 was released on December 13, it appears the tvOS auto update function recently sent out the update on a more widespread basis. From Reddit user WikiWikiWhat:Apple TV users have been complaining about these design tweaks since tvOS 16.2 was in testing, and Apple has not made an effort to offer options to swap back to the old interface. It is not clear if the uptick in complaints will sway the company, and for now, the interface is here to stay. It's also worth noting that these same design changes have also been implemented in the TV app for iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

Article Link: Apple TV Users Complain About tvOS 16.2 'Watch Now' Redesign

 

[sinoka56]

"Apple adds a huge ad to Apple TV with no option to disable it."

 

[Surf Monkey]

It not only sucks, it’s functionally broken. It fails to render the titles of shows correctly. It also glitches when scrolling the big advertisements that replaced the former watch now content.

TV is so broken and so overly filled with AppleTV advertisements that I don’t even use it anymore. Apple needs to fix this garbage.

 

[Thunderstrike76]

What I don’t like is not the video preview, but the audio of the preview. It’s not the end of the world, but I find it annoying every time it starts playing.

I’m not at home to test it out. How many seconds does it take for the audio to kick in?

 

[tony1984]

Let them know https://www.apple.com/feedback/apple-tv-app/

Thanks for this!

 

[t0rqx]

This squeezing every penny out of consumers needs to stop. Apple has lost it.

 

[thadoggfather]

Glad I haven’t updated from 16.1

What is the new thing people don’t like though? Confused

 

[Jerseyfresh]

I registered on Macrumors just so i could add more negative feedback on Apple’s “Up Next” on the Apple TV, which is positively, absolutely, decidedly horrible.

Please change it back to where i can see poster stills of my content, not Apple TV+ junk.

 

[jclo]

It’s all changeable.

Settings -> Apps -> TV

Change “Up Next Display” to Poster Art to see covers again.

Change Top Shelf to “Up Next” to put it back at the top.

Change “Autoplay Video Sound” to Off to disable autoplay.

Just to clarify for anyone who reads this, these instructions don't pertain to the TV app, which is what the article is about. Up Next for Top Shelf is an Apple TV Home Screen setting, there isn't an option to move Up Next in the TV app.

 

[nsengbush]

It’s all changeable.

Settings -> Apps -> TV

Change “Up Next Display” to Poster Art to see covers again.

Change Top Shelf to “Up Next” to put it back at the top.

Change “Autoplay Video Sound” to Off to disable autoplay.

That doesn't get rid of the ads in the TV app, which I think is the main complaint.

 

[mallbritton]

It’s all changeable.

Settings -> Apps -> TV

Change “Up Next Display” to Poster Art to see covers again.

Change Top Shelf to “Up Next” to put it back at the top.

Change “Autoplay Video Sound” to Off to disable autoplay.

FYI these settings do nothing to change the look of the TV app home screen.

 

[npmacuser5]

Watch now not All Inclusive! Some apps do not take part. Also they need to have one interface with the media. When I select media, do not want immediate play in the watch now selection. Want to see my options firsts. Not bad, a few adjustments all that is needed.

 

[PlainBelliedSneetch]

FYI these settings do nothing to change the look of the TV app home screen.

They are the settings for the Home Screen when you have the TV app icon selected. The disable Autoplay Video Sound does work in the TV app though.

 

[jon3543]

Apple has entered the stage of corporate development where they adopt the most hated features of their competitors.

 

[JOLoughlin]

It’s all changeable.

Settings -> Apps -> TV

Change “Up Next Display” to Poster Art to see covers again.

Change Top Shelf to “Up Next” to put it back at the top.

Change “Autoplay Video Sound” to Off to disable autoplay.

It’s not all changeable and these options aren’t available on all devices.

 

[anthogag]

I don't have a problem with the new layout. 🤌

 

[Orange Bat]

I forgot the TV app did this kind of thing. 🤷‍♂️

 

[topdrawer]

Did they hire that ui designer from netflix?

 

[AL2TEACH]

What is the new thing people don’t like though? Confused

I'm on 16.2 and I have to agree with ya . Maybe I need to stare at whatever it is all the fuss is about😂

 

[emmab2006]

It Sucks so much why to change something that works? .. OH Yes ! to shove apple tv+ down our throats which has 1 good tv series on it!

 

[mikeschr]

It’s all changeable.

Settings -> Apps -> TV

Change “Up Next Display” to Poster Art to see covers again.

Change Top Shelf to “Up Next” to put it back at the top.

Change “Autoplay Video Sound” to Off to disable autoplay.

That doesn't stop the autoplay video. I absolutely can't stand these apps playing video at me before I've chosen to watch something, and I was hoping Apple was better than that.

 

[mrr]

Apple TV hardware is meh and software for Apple TV and Apple TV+ is double meh.

 

[dampfnudel]

Well, thankfully it’s not affecting me yet because it will probably be another few months before they air the shows I actually like. I hope they sort this out in 16.3.

 

[svish]

The old user interface was much better.

 

[Miltz]

Apple's hardware has never been better but their software has been swirling the $h!tter for the last decade. Keeping my ATV4k on 16.1 for as long as possible.

Ummm the Apple TV 4K 2022 has the best hardware of anything in its price range. Software is good, no great IMO