tvOS 26 is here, but your Apple TV may not get all the features

Apple announced a major software release in September, including iOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and watchOS, along with tvOS 26 (Apple TV) devices. The new updates have a distinctively cohesive design style guided by the new Liquid Glass interface. Apple aligns this as an overall visual rebrand that aims to make its devices up-to-date, coherent, and easier to navigate.

However, the update will come with a limitation. Not every new feature will be offered in all Apple TV devices. The owners of older models will receive partial upgrades. 

Still, the most noticeable one, the so-called Liquid Glass interface, will be available only to second and third-generation Apple TV 4K devices released in 2021 and 2022.

The distributional disparity of product features raises a substantive debate about the philosophy of updating Apple products, the product life cycle, and when Apple can introduce new hardware.

Characteristics of Supported Models that are Ubiquitous

Luckily, the legacy devices are not excluded from the tvOS. Any Apple TV that can run the tvOS, including older HD models, and (primarily) the present Apple TV 4K, receive significant updates. 

And inclusion of support of the PlayStation 5 Dual Sense controller, thus providing games on Apple TV with additional connectivity options using this peripheral.

Dolby improvements, including enhanced acoustic experiences, are given the format configuration. Inclusion of other customization options of the Aerial feature, which can provide users with more control over the dynamic screensavers of the system. 

These upgrades ensure that customers of older hardware get a working and satisfactory update. They therefore strengthen the image that Apple maintains its device support even after the time frame offered by most of its competitors.

Liquid Glass: A Division of Labour

The most notable feature of tvOS 26 is Liquid Glass, which gives the system a complete redesign by offering new animation effects and transparency, as well as a sleek interface. Apple has, however, chosen to limit its implementation to newer Apple 4K models of Apple TV.  

Users with similar hardware can enjoy the introduction of Liquid Glass, which enables a modern and contemporary experience. On the other hand, users with older devices will be dissatisfied due to the perceived marginalization.

It is interesting to note that not all the stakeholders are energized about the Liquid Glass interface. Just like the different response to interface redesigns in iOS 26 between iPhone and iPad users, some Apple TV users would want to stay with the more primitive interface. Thereby, the fact that Liquid Glass is not present may not represent a loss perception of all households.

Apple Music Sing and Device Lock-In

Apple Music Sing is a notable example of feature constriction, where the karaoke-style module, initially added and later expanded in the television operating system 26, can only be used on the 2022 Apple TV model and on iPhones starting with the iPhone 11 and the third-generation iPhone SE.

It is a vivid reiteration of the Apple ecosystem strategy. The features are not just software-related, but also specific to the devices, which forces customers to keep up with the entire product range to have a whole experience. Even though this can stimulate sales, it will make loyal users feel left out, even though they still have a relatively new device.

Compared to the annual renovation schedule that is followed in the case of iPhones, the Apple TV follows a longer release cycle. The current third-generation Apple TV 4K was launched in 2022, so its counterpart was released in 2021; therefore, the current hardware is roughly three years old, which is a significant time frame in the rapidly developing field of consumer electronics.

It is reported that Apple is working on a fourth-generation product. The new features, including support for Apple Intelligent, the company’s new AI system, and the latest connectivity standards such as Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 7, are expected to enhance performance, speed, and reliability, thereby streamlining the company’s integration with smart homes.

It would also present Apple with an opportunity to release a new model that features Liquid Glass as the default interface, as the experience would be more fluid with more powerful hardware.

The Timing Question

Typically, at the beginning of September, Apple releases the new iPhones and, in some cases, it is continued by the second fall show involving Macs or other products. The iPhone 17 is already on sale, and so is MacOS Tahoe, so the question of whether Apple will have an event in October in 2021 is a matter of speculation. Should this be the case, the announcement of a renovated Apple TV might be among them.

Otherwise, the following Apple TV will be released in 2026, and the existing one will have to mature even in a competitive market. Apple faces the risk of losing out on the constant updates and aggressive pricing of rival streaming gadgets available in the market, such as Amazon, Roku and Google, unless it can update its set-top box shortly.

Balancing Old and New

The introduction of the tvOS 26 highlights the tradeoff that Apple will experience. On the one hand, the company has established a reputation for offering long-term software support; already, the latest Apple TV HD, launched in 2015, can utilize the newest version of tvOS. This is an uncommon achievement in the industry and a source of pride for Apple.

Conversely, releasing the most desirable new features in later models unavoidably puts pressure on upgrading. It also keeps Apple hardware business strong yet it can frustrate users who think that they are being forced to purchase more devices at rates that they are not ready to buy.

Apple is not the only company that is in this situation. Competitive platforms typically cease operations a long time ago. However, since Apple users pay more to acquire the gadgets, they might demand equal treatment between generations.

Implications for Users at Present

For most current Apple TV users, tvOS 26 is worth it. Even without Liquid Glass, the operating system gets improved controller support, audio enhancements, and minor customization improvements. These refine day-to-day usage.

For users with a 2021 or 2022 Apple TV 4K, the update includes an exhaustive set of features, including the newly added design. It overhauls the interface without the need for the purchase of fresh hardware, at least for now.

For users who are still running an older version of the Apple TV HD or the original 4K model, announcing tvOS 26 might be a signal that the peak performance of their devices is fading. 

Even though functional, the absence of noteworthy new feature support means Apple is slowly phasing out support for the devices practically.

Future Directions

What bigger picture are we looking at? Apple is leading up to the following Apple TV product. In limiting availability of Liquid Glass and Apple Music Sing to later devices, it is demonstrating that there are some functions that need better hardware. 

Meanwhile, the company is providing complete software coverage so as not entirely to alienate older device users.

The future Apple TV is expected to offer superior performance, enhanced connectivity options, and seamless Apple Intelligence integration. These upgrades would bring it in line with the broader Apple ecosystem and improve competitiveness in an industry where competitors are actively promoting artificial intelligence and advanced features.

If Apple rolls it out later this year, it might be timed nicely to grab holiday shopping and bolster the Apple ecosystem. If it ships later in 2026, however, it might fall behind budget and more regularly updated competitors.

Conclusionary Reflections

tvOS 26 is an example of Apple walking the line between innovation and hardware longevity. All get some updates, but the best new features go out to users with newer hardware. It keeps the platform fresh while pushing people to upgrade.

The main recommendation for users is as follows: while the Apple TV is an effective device, its future is founded upon the subsequent generation. If users are satisfied with the current iteration, tvOS 26 is sufficient for ensuring top performance. 

If users desire the latest design and commitment to updates, it may be best to wait or begin planning and financing the purchase of the subsequent Apple TV 4K generation.