Apple has released tvOS 18, the latest software update for Apple TV and HomePod devices.
Today is official iOS 18 rollout day! iPhone users can officially put homescreen icons wherever they want now. Huge.
Here's everything you need to know in video form: https://t.co/piyUE9Qf9d pic.twitter.com/Zn7AidE4Az
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) September 16, 2024
The update is available for Apple TV HD (2015) and all Apple TV 4K devices, as well as HomePod and HomePod mini. To update your Apple TV device, open the Settings app, navigate to System -> Software Updates, and select Update Software.
Do not unplug your Apple TV device while the installation is ongoing. HomePod and HomePod mini are updated through the Home app on iOS or macOS. In the Home app, go to Home Settings and navigate to the Software Update section.
If you've just recently installed iOS 18, what are your impressions? What do you like and what you don’t? pic.twitter.com/FPPNLOYlJd
— Ben Geskin (@BenGeskin) September 17, 2024
It will search for the latest update and prompt you to confirm. Apple TV can now enable subtitles automatically under certain conditions. If you mute the audio or replay a scene, subtitles will appear temporarily.
iOS 18 is here!
You don’t need to figure out how to use the new flashlight, text effects and home screen app icon tricks on your own. I’m here for you with the annual tradition…
18 TIPS FOR IOS 18! Only the skilled and the strong can do this kind of work.
VIDEO:… pic.twitter.com/2d4p53Sec4
— Joanna Stern (@JoannaStern) September 16, 2024
Subtitles can also be automatically enabled when the spoken language doesn’t match the device’s language settings. This can be configured in Settings -> Video and Audio -> Automatic Subtitles. Enhance Dialogue helps you understand dialogue better in TV shows and movies, now available for all Apple TV users.
Along with iOS 18.1 Beta 1, Apple also released
iPadOS 18.1 Beta 4
macOS 15.1 Sequoia Beta 4
watchOS 11.1 Beta 1
tvOS 18.1 Beta 1
HomePod OS 18.1 Beta 1
visionOS 2.1 Beta 1 pic.twitter.com/iKGOwbNJfD
— Aaron Zollo (@zollotech) September 17, 2024
Previously exclusive to HomePod speakers, this feature is now accessible with built-in TV speakers and Bluetooth outputs like AirPods. Additional improvements using machine learning for better vocal clarity are expected in future updates.
Apple TV subtitle enhancements
The new InSight menu on Apple TV+ shows the cast of actors currently on screen, and the song playing in a scene. You can quickly navigate to the actor’s page in the TV app or add the song to your Apple Music library. Apple has introduced SharePlay integration with Apple Music on Apple TV and HomePod.
Friends can join a music session by scanning a QR code, allowing them to control playback and add songs to the queue. This feature works with both iPhone and Android users, even if they don’t have an Apple Music subscription. tvOS 18 introduces new screensaver options.
In addition to Aerials, there’s a new Portraits screensaver that uses your photo library, embedding time into the images. A dynamic Snoopy screensaver and a TV and Movies montage featuring Apple original content will arrive later this year. Users can switch screensavers using a new carousel interface.
Apple TV will now support 21:9 format projectors and offer a new home screen appearance setting to choose between five or six app icons per row. The Fitness+ app sports a redesigned interface, surfacing workouts tailored to your training preferences and history. Live Captions can now be displayed during FaceTime calls, and you can use a spare iPhone as a Dedicated Camera for Continuity Camera support with Apple TV.
Siri requests will be processed more quickly and privately with some being handled entirely on-device. Apple’s tvOS 18 update enhances the user experience significantly with these new features, delivering improvements that cater to entertainment and convenience.
