Apple TV’s tvOS 27: All the New Features Revealed
▼ Summary
– Apple TV received at least eight new features, though they were not highlighted during the WWDC keynote.
– The features were announced separately from the main presentation, indicating a lower priority for the set-top box at the event.
Apple TV users will have plenty to explore this fall, even if the company’s annual developer conference keynote glossed over the set-top box. Behind the scenes, tvOS 27 is shaping up to be a meaningful update, introducing at least eight notable features that refine the living room experience.
One of the most welcome changes arrives in the form of a redesigned Control Center. The interface now mirrors the streamlined layout found on iPhone and iPad, making it easier to adjust audio output, check the time, and access key settings without diving into menus. Alongside this, FaceTime on Apple TV gains a significant upgrade: Center Stage support. If you own a compatible iPhone or iPad camera, the system will automatically keep you framed during video calls, even as you move around the room.
For those who use their Apple TV as a hub for productivity, tvOS 27 introduces support for VPN apps. This means you can now route your streaming traffic through a virtual private network directly from the device itself, bypassing the need for a router-level configuration. Additionally, Find My integration arrives, allowing you to locate lost AirPods or other Apple accessories using the on-screen interface.
Gamers aren’t left out either. The update brings enhanced controller support, including compatibility with the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con and Pro Controller. This broadens the library of games playable on the big screen, especially for Apple Arcade subscribers. Meanwhile, Siri gets smarter with the ability to answer more complex questions about sports scores, weather forecasts, and home automation status without needing to unlock an iPhone.
A subtle but practical improvement is improved audio passthrough for home theater enthusiasts. tvOS 27 now supports Dolby Atmos and lossless audio from streaming services more reliably, preserving the original sound mix without compression. Finally, the Apple TV remote gains a new double-click gesture for the TV button, which now opens the App Switcher directly, making it faster to jump between recently used apps.
While Apple may have saved the flashy announcements for its other devices, these refinements show that the company hasn’t forgotten about the living room. With a focus on connectivity, customization, and audio fidelity, tvOS 27 positions the Apple TV as a more versatile hub for entertainment and productivity alike.
(Source: BGR)
