Mike Peterson
Apple's tvOS 15 update went unmentioned during the WWDC 21 keynote, but there are still new features coming to the Apple TV operating system in the fall.
A tvOS 15 update exists, despite making no appearance during Apple's developer event on Monday and having no dedicated preview page. However, Apple released the first tvOS 15 beta on Monday and quietly revealed new features coming to the platform on the Apple TV 4K page.
According to that page, there are a handful of features mentioned during the WWDC 2021 event that are actually coming to the Apple TV 4K (and presumably tvOS 15) in the fall. That includes the new SharePlay feature which allows users to watch video content with others while on a FaceTime call. A new Shared with You feature places movies or TV shows sent through Messages in a new row on the Apple TV app. A new For All of You page will list recommendations that everyone in a household will enjoy.
There are also a number of audio-related updates coming to tvOS 15, including Spatial Audio, stereo support for two HomePod mini speakers, and a new onscreen notification that will allow users to "magically connect" their AirPods to an Apple TV.
Finally, users can sign in to apps using an iOS device with Face ID or Touch ID.
Although tvOS 15 is a relatively minor update compared to iOS 15 or macOS Monterey, it still includes some of the cross-platform features that Apple showed off during WWDC 2021.
The lack of an appearance from tvOS during Apple's developer keynote comes amid rumors that the company is working on a new operating system, potentially dubbed "homeOS."
Follow all of WWDC 2021 with comprehensive AppleInsider coverage of the week-long event from June 7 through June 11, including details on iOS 15, iPadOS 15, watchOS 8, macOS Monterey and more.
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William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
5 Comments
I want to literally cry. Since around 2016 I’ve been patiently waiting for a full fledged Apple TV + game console.
With Apple giving Apple TV lousy software and hardware updates and tvOS being removed from the WWDC keynote, this feels like iPod in 2014 all over again. Slowing excitement and an overall feeling of hopelessness for one of your favorite Apple products.
I really hope the “homeOS” rumor is true and will replace tvOS. Though that seems very odd.
5 years and I’m still hoping for an Apple TV Pro.....
I’m just hoping for better app to profile integration. Today it is pretty much useless
“Finally, users can sign in to apps using an iOS device with Face ID or Touch ID.”