Apple has launched its latest tvOS 26 public beta for their Apple TV 4K set-top box, and it’s making tides in the niche with its visual overhaul to Apple TV since the platform’s inception. The latest update, accessible to Apple TV HD and all Apple TV 4K generations feels like a tour to the future.
Your TV Interface Gets a Hollywood Makeover
“Liquid Glass”, hands down the star of the show in this latest release. Apple’s new design language that layers refracting, glass-like materials throughout the interface.
The controlling center and media overlays will get the most stunning effect of it, as the OLED TV owners will be witnessing a dreamlike visual where the interface elements would seem to float and bend like a real glass. It appears that Apple has decided to make sure that its user’s living room is entitled for the same design sophistication as their mobile devices.
But there’s a catch as well, this intriguing and tempting update is only available to Apple 4K units from 2021 onwards, leaving all the previous model owners watching on the sidelines.
It’s a no-brainer that they have decided to make this movie to inspire the people using older versions of the TV set to move forward and purchase the newly released units.
The TV App Gets Its Glow-Up
On another front, the Apple TV app is part of this visual overhaul. The app is now shedding its landscape poster layout for a more cinematic portrait approach, which is more of a strategic move than merely an aesthetic one.
Apple is playing upon a very deep pattern of how people generally consume visual media. This time they have displayed the content on their official poster, vertically, emulating a more movie poster-style artwork, creating a more immersive browsing experience.
Karaoke Nights Just Got Serious
Karaoke Nights! Apple Music Sing is no more a solo act, it’s evolving into a party now, people. Without any proper Karaoke Machine, this time the Apple TV gives you the freedom to pair nearby iPhones as wireless microphones and you have just got yourself a Karaoke Night.
With added multi-language pronunciation guides, emoji reactions, and voice modulation effects, your Apple Tv can now literally compete with a professional Karaoke system.
The Family-Friendly Future
Perhaps the most practical addition is streamlined user switching. The new automatic user picker solves the age-old problem of family members accidentally watching each other’s Netflix recommendations. While third-party app support remains limited, this foundation suggests Apple is serious about making Apple TV a truly multi-user platform.
With new Indian landscape screensavers, enhanced FaceTime integration, and expanded AirPlay 2 speaker compatibility, tvOS 26 positions Apple TV not just as a streaming device, but as the sophisticated centerpiece of connected home entertainment.
Discover more from Being Shivam
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.