Amber Neely
Apple has rolled out its tvOS 15.4 update alongside the HomePod software 15.4 and third-generation Apple TV software updates.
Like many tvOS updates, this one is primarily focused on platform stability, bug fixes, and ecosystem improvements.
The tvOS update will be installed automatically, but it can be manually installed onto an Apple TV via the Settings app as well.
Updates to tvOS are generally incremental maintenance releases, adding support for products and services while also improving the experience in small ways. The build number for this release is19L440.
Apple has also added support for Captive WiFi networks. This allows users to use iPhone or iPad to connect an Apple TV to networks that need additional sign-in steps, like at hotels or dorms.
HomePod owners can update to the new HomePod software version 15.4 via the Home app settings menu. Apple also released a minor update for the third-generation Apple TV that uses pre-tvOS software.
In December, Apple Released tvOS 15.1, which added support for Apple Music Voice, Apple's new budget Apple Music plan.
In October, Apple released tvOS 15.1 which introduced SharePlay to the public, and added a handful of new screensavers. SharePlay, which Apple announced during WWDC 2021, allows users to watch video content with others while on a FaceTime call.
Charles Martin
Christine McKee
Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher
Andrew O'Hara
William Gallagher and Mike Wuerthele
7 Comments
Too bad Apple did not issue a fix for the craptastic original HomePod.
The fix for captive networks is years late -- it should have been addressed a long time ago. Companies started to put a little browser on devices just to get through network access dialogs something like 20 years ago. The failure for ATV to have this burned me on a trip several years past.
It would be very convenient to be able to update Apple TV from the Home App, especially for people who have multiple Apple TV devices. The Home app seems vastly underutilized.
The main problem with the HomePod is the exact same main problem with the AirPods max: a ludicrous price.
there are other problems at launch, no ports, did not play well outside Apple ecosystem etc.