These tvOS 26 Features Are Only Available on Newer Apple TV Models

[MacRumors]

tvOS 26 is compatible with all Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD models, but some of the new features are only available on newer models.

The new Liquid Glass design with shimmery app icons and see-through elements is only visible on the Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) and Apple TV 4K (3rd generation).

tvOS 26 takes Apple Music Sing a step further by allowing you to use your iPhone as a wireless microphone, with your voice amplified through the TV's speakers. However, this functionality is limited to the latest Apple TV 4K (3rd generation).

tvOS 26 is currently available as a developer beta. The update will be released later this year.

Article Link: These tvOS 26 Features Are Only Available on Newer Apple TV Models

 

[dustin_]

i’ve got a couple 4k gen 2s. would love to play w sing, but i’m waiting for a new model before i consider upgrading.

 

[jz0309]

As laggy as my 2nd gen 4k is (eg closing an app), not sure I want the liquid glass.
As for the music thing - fine with me that it won’t run on mine

 

[apparatchik]

Considering the 4K gen 1 is 8 years old and it sported an A10 chip, I think it's remarkable it gets tvOS 26 at all, let alone every single feature.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Groundbreaking!

 

[TheBeverage]

I don't see myself installing the '26 OSes on any of my Apple devices. That liquid glass look is going to be a performance drain on everything, and a battery drain on anything with a battery. It looks like Windows Aero from 2006 but will somehow be unable to run smoothly on a flagship phone from three years ago, I guarantee you.

 

[AusMness]

Considering the 4K gen 1 is 8 years old and it sported an A10 chip, I think it's remarkable it gets tvOS 26 at all, let alone every single feature.

The Apple TV HD / 4th gen with an A8 is also still supported!

 

[stocklen]

so, thats 2 things on delveoper beta 1.

thanks.

Maybe wait for much, much later beta builds when we get more definitive lists.

 

[Dj64Mk7]

so, thats 2 things on delveoper beta 1.

thanks.

Maybe wait for much, much later beta builds when we get more definitive lists.

Nope, they won’t, they can’t. It’s all about the clicks now. 😔

 

[turbineseaplane]

Now I’m really glad I have not upgraded my first generation Apple TV 4K

 

[SactoGuy18]

But still, there are persistent rumors of a new version of the Apple TV box coming this fall, now powered by the A18 SoC. That's why I will wait until September to see what Apple will release for a next-generation Apple TV.

 

[dumastudetto]

But still, there are persistent rumors of a new version of the Apple TV box coming this fall, now powered by the A18 SoC. That's why I will wait until September to see what Apple will release for a next-generation Apple TV.

Waiting is never a good idea. Buy now, you can always upgrade later.

 

[svish]

Good to know. The older models that are not getting these features are quite old. At least they are getting the update which is great.

 

[EBone12355]

This, and the Snoopy screensavers from the last tvOS version.
Apple, I'm ready to buy a new model, just waiting for you to release one!

 

[k1121j]

The interface on 2nd gen 4k is already slow I hope this doesn’t make it worse.

 

[Crom!]

Think we will see a M-chip powered apple TV? See more codec support like DTS? Would love to have ability to play MacOS games on a apple tv and basically turn it into a gaming console.

 

[SactoGuy18]

Waiting is never a good idea. Buy now, you can always upgrade later.

I can watch linear cable programming using the Xfinity Stream app on my iPad Air for now and have Netflix and Amazon Prime Video access on my iPad, too. It's been some time since the Apple TV box has been updated and it appears they're going to unveil one probably in September 2025.

 

[Slix]

Add in the FaceTime features not working on the Apple TV HD, and there's now a handful of features not on the latest (1 or 2) Apple TVs. I wonder if we'll see a new Apple TV this year. Might be time to get a new one after 10 years finally.

 

[jimbobb24]

The karaoke is great. Glad they are continuing to develop this.

 

[diskrisk]

I updated my 4K gen 1 to the beta just because of that “show profiles on wake” feature. Might sound minimal but trust me, when you get to live with people who always forget to switch profile and end up mixing their Apple TV Up Next with yours, you will understand.

 

[cupcakes2000]

but will somehow be unable to run smoothly on a flagship phone from three years ago, I guarantee you.

Ahh the good old internet guarantee, supplied by someone who has never experienced what they’re guaranteeing.

Let me just supplant that, with a fact.

Beta one of ios works very smoothly on an iPhone 13 Pro, even though it’s the first dev beta.

Been using it on my main phone since about an hour after it became available. Aside the regular beta issues, I can gladly tell you that you’re wrong, even at this early stage it does run smoothly on flagship phones even from more than 3 years ago.

 

[ProVideo]

I wish Fountain of Youth hadn't been supported on my Apple TV model, so I could have had those two hours back.

 

[hxlover904]

This, and the Snoopy screensavers from the last tvOS version.
Apple, I'm ready to buy a new model, just waiting for you to release one!

The snoopy screensavers are so much fun. One of those really nice, unexpected touches. I find myself just watching them sometimes.

 

[lk400]

Limiting the karaoke function is weird. I wonder if theres a latency issue, or if theyre just being Apple.

 

[appleuser21]

So what's available for my Apple TV HD?