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tvOS 26 to Support These Apple TV Models

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Apple's upcoming tvOS 26 software update will support all Apple TV models that are compatible with tvOS 18, according to a private account on X with a proven track record for upcoming software updates.

tvOS-26-Feature.jpg

If this rumor is accurate, and we have high confidence that it is, then tvOS 26 will be compatible with the Apple TV HD – released in 2015(!) – and beyond:
  • Apple TV HD (2015)
  • Apple TV 4K (1st generation, 2017)
  • Apple TV 4K (2nd generation, 2021)
  • Apple TV 4K (3rd generation, 2022)
Rather than naming the next-generation version tvOS 19, Apple is going to call it tvOS 26, our source confirmed. All of the software updates coming this year will be numbered "26," reflecting the September 2025 to September 2026 release cycle.

The visionOS-inspired design coming to iOS, iPadOS, and macOS will also extend to tvOS. While tvOS typically receives less attention and specific details are scarce, we can infer some changes based on iOS rumors.

iOS 26 is expected to feature a visionOS-like interface with translucent elements, floating menus and windows, and softer, rounded visuals. The design uses light and shadow to create a glass-like effect, as seen in Apple's WWDC promotional imagery, so expect these to appear.

We're also expecting new screensavers, a new cross-platform Games app, Wi-Fi syncing, and potential new AI-powered features. For everything we know, be sure to check out our WWDC roundup for tvOS 26.

Article Link: tvOS 26 to Support These Apple TV Models
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/06/06/tvos-26-support-these-apple-tv-models/
turbineseaplane said:
That's pretty wild.

Honestly, if you're still using one of these you really should upgrade.

I found that model to be slow and "meh" even when it was pretty new.
Click to expand...

No.

TV dongles have much longer lifespan.

And Apple TVs are known for their higher price.

Killing them, especially since most people use them ONLY to watch streaming services, would be a suicide for the whole line of product
 
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MacRumors said:
iOS 26 is expected to feature a visionOS-like interface with translucent elements, floating menus and windows, and softer, rounded visuals. The design uses light and shadow to create a glass-like effect, as seen in Apple's WWDC promotional imagery, so expect these to appear.

We're also expecting new screensavers, a new cross-platform Games app, Wi-Fi syncing, and potential new AI-powered features.
Click to expand...
Oh wow! just wow! Can’t wait for this significant enhancement to my life. Gee whiz and golly. Oh boy. Hmmm. So will I even noticed the automatic software update happened?
 
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turbineseaplane said:
That's pretty wild.

Honestly, if you're still using one of these you really should upgrade.

I found that model to be slow and "meh" even when it was pretty new.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I’m happy they still support the older ones. At last count we have six still operating in the house. We upgrade the one in the living room and trickle down from there.
 
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I'm impressed the Apple TV HD is still supported. I have both an HD and 1st Gen 4K Apple TV and while they both work ok, I think when the next gen Apple TV 4K is released they'll be getting upgraded as there beginning to get a little slow performance wise.
 
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Although the upcoming tvOS "26" may run on the HD model, there's no guarantee all new features will be supported. FaceTime on Apple TV, for example, is not currently supported. I can see more demanding features like AI or a new game store not being supported due to lack of modern GPU power. We shall see soon enough!
 
Superhai said:
I think it simply comes down to the fact that tvOS is much simpler that any of the other, and the requirements have not changed that much.
Click to expand...
I agree but the Apple Watch’s OS hasn’t changed much either. What’s new in watchOS 11 that the SE (2020) can’t support?
 
JustSomebody12 said:
No.

TV dongles have much longer lifespan.

And Apple TVs are known for their higher price.

Killing them, especially since most people use them ONLY to watch streaming services, would be a suicide for the whole line of product
Click to expand...

I mean, I get what you're saying ... but on the other hand it's also a decade old now.

ATV 4k models go for absolute peanuts on FBM and CL all the time.
 
Outside of enthusiasts, I doubt Apple sells many of these anymore considering most TVs do everything most people would want built in (even Apple’s own services). Pretty well everyone I know just uses the apps built into the TV.

Obviously Apple saw this coming, otherwise they wouldn’t have opened up their services (especially AirPlay) directly to TV manufactures.
 
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appleuser21 said:
It's crazy that Apple still supports the Apple TV HD (2015), while at the same time they dropped support for the Apple Watch SE (2020) last year.
Click to expand...
So I should toss my TV, purchased in 2013 and Roku box (2014) because they are old. Home devices should last significantly longer than wearables. I never buy a new device if the older one meets my needs even if it no longer supports the latest OS.
 
AppleTO said:
Outside of enthusiasts, I doubt Apple sells many of these anymore considering most TVs do everything most people would want built in (even Apple’s own services). Pretty well everyone I know just uses the apps built into the TV.

Obviously Apple saw this coming, otherwise they wouldn’t have opened up their services (especially AirPlay) directly to TV manufactures.
Click to expand...
Yeah, but take a look at how Samsung treats their TVs, eventually ceasing software support and discontinuing features, just like when I couldn’t get to launch HBO Max on my 2017 Samsung 4K TV anymore.

The only thing that restricts me from buying an Apple TV is the fact my TV provider still doesn’t offer an app, despite announcing it in 2020 or 2021. Also, they managed to release a redesigned iPhone app since.
 
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AppleTO said:
Outside of enthusiasts, I doubt Apple sells many of these anymore considering most TVs do everything most people would want built in (even Apple’s own services). Pretty well everyone I know just uses the apps built into the TV.

Obviously Apple saw this coming, otherwise they wouldn’t have opened up their services (especially AirPlay) directly to TV manufactures.
Click to expand...
Nope. My ATV 4k does a much better job than my LG TV
 
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turbineseaplane said:
That's pretty wild.

Honestly, if you're still using one of these you really should upgrade.

I found that model to be slow and "meh" even when it was pretty new.
Click to expand...
I have long since upgraded my Apple TV HD, but even with it being slightly slow we still use it on secondary televisions or when we travel. Works like a charm.
Incredible that it’s getting 11 years of software updates.
 
I get that some new features likely won’t be available for the 2015 model but this sounds like they are not rewriting tvOS from the ground up with this update and it will probably be mostly a cosmetic one. Having said that I’m stoked that my trusty old box lives another day!
 
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Given the HD model was sold brand new just a few years back, makes sense it is still supported.

I think I bought a new Apple TV HD (2015) just a few years ago. I wasn't biting for a 4K model. I've got a 55" plasma, 1080P screen and if my math is correct, that TV is about 16 years old. Picture is still fine on the box, so why bother spending money on a replacement TV that maybe gets 6-8 hours use a week?

The Apple TV for me is just a front end to my TV subscription, doorbell camera, and general Home hub services. A few other basic apps like CBC Gem, and Amazon, and it works fine. I'm not taxing it with... games? What else would peg the CPU and memory? This doesn't need to be a powerhouse.
 
It's been a few weeks since I begged for hi-res audio support via Apple TV, both through Apple Music and streamed from my Mac, so here goes:

please Apple? Pleeeeaase?
 
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