Amber Neely
Apple has rolled out a few new features in tvOS 18.4, bringing some new smart home support, expanded audio features, and even changed up some of the Apple TV app interface.
Unlike Apple's other operating systems, tvOS usually doesn't get many feature updates between major releases. Most of the updates focus on improving stability and addressing bugs.
However, this time around, tvOS is actually getting a bit of love with a handful of new features and updates.
Perhaps the most substantial update is the inclusion of lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio. The features are designed for AirPods Max users who want crisp, clear audio with minimal delay.
A new "Automatically Download In-App Content" feature has also appeared in tvOS 18.4. This feature is designed to streamline performance and reduce delays when accessing content.
As anticipated, tvOS 18.4 has brought Matter support for robotic vacuums and mops. Users can use their voice to tell the vacuum to start or stop cleaning, to return to its dock, to enable or disable the mopping function, and to switch cleaning modes.
Apple has also added the ChatKit framework in tvOS 18.4, which is a telling inclusion. Currently, neither the Apple TV or the HomePod support iMessages, which suggests that the new ChatKit features may be geared toward Apple's yet-unannounced smart home device.
A few new interface updates are coming to the Apple TV app as well. New tabs, including "Add to Watchlist," "info," and "Next" help organize content.
The video player's "Clips" section has been rebranded, replacing the former trailer and teasers collection.
The new tvOS build is number 22L255.
In September 2024, Apple rolled out tvOS 18 alongside updates to its other operating systems. Notably, 2024 marked the second year in a row with significant changes for the set-top box.
It brought Apple Intelligence-powered updates to audio and accessibility, including dialog enhancement mode.
It also introduced InSight, a feature that allows users to see more info about the on-screen actors. Currently, InSight is only available for Apple TV+ original movies and shows. We expect it to expand to other services in the future.
Apple Music on Apple TV also got an update, thanks to SharePlay. Now, users can create collaborative Apple Music playlists on Apple TV.
You can utilize this feature by playing music in the Apple Music app and selecting the SharePlay icon in the lower-right corner. A QR code will appear on-screen for others to scan.
How to update to tvOS 18.4
- On an Apple TV, go to the Settings, app
- Select System
- Select Software Updates
- Select Update Software
How to update your HomePod or HomePod mini
- Ensure your device is updated to the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS.
- Open the Home app
- Tap or click ...
- Tap or click Home Settings
- Tap or click Software Update
- If available, tap or click Update
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Andrew Orr
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William Gallagher and Mike Wuerthele
Mike Wuerthele
7 Comments
Lossless audio? omg... thank you Apple! :o :) B)
I’m not sure Apple TV will do lossless audio. Into what would the usb-c cable or the new cable for the AirPods Max plug??
If this means having to ‘upgrade’ all my existing Thread devices to Matter, nuh-uh.
I get the appeal of Matter - assuming a multi-platform environment - but the upgrade process whereby I must record each devices new ID or effectively lose the ability to ever bring that device back into my environment should I need to reset it - aka effectively bricking it.
Nope