Apple announces tvOS 27 update, nearly making up for no new Apple TV 4K
▼ Summary
– tvOS 27, announced at WWDC, focuses on speed improvements for the Apple TV 4K, including 30% faster app opening and smoother animations.
– Apple Music on tvOS 27 adds Hi-Res Lossless support (24-bit/192kHz) and faster playback, while the Podcasts app gets a full redesign.
– General updates include better HomeKit integration, reduced app file sizes, smart downloads, and Apple Care coverage access in settings.
– tvOS 27 will support second and third generation Apple TV 4K boxes, ending support for the Apple TV HD (2015) and first-generation Apple TV 4K (2017).
– The update is expected to launch in September 2024, potentially laying groundwork for a rumored fourth-generation Apple TV 4K with Siri AI features.
Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference keynote came and went, with iOS, macOS, and iPadOS commanding most of the attention. Meanwhile, tvOS received only a fleeting mention. Yet beneath the radar, Apple quietly confirmed that tvOS 27 is on the way this year, and the update promises to be far more substantial than many anticipated.
The headline focus for tvOS 27 is speed. For owners of the aging Apple TV 4K , last refreshed in 2022 , this means a noticeably more responsive experience. Apple claims app launch speeds will improve by 30 percent, animations will feel smoother, and the Control Centre will react faster. Connecting to other Apple devices, whether streaming from an iPhone or routing TV audio to HomePods, will also be snappier.
Two key audio apps are getting significant upgrades. Apple Music gains support for Hi-Res Lossless audio (up to 24-bit/192kHz) alongside faster playback. The Podcasts app receives a full redesign, tailored for both audio and video podcast playback.
General improvements include deeper Apple HomeKit integration for smart home users, reduced app file sizes, support for smart downloads, and the ability to view Apple Care coverage directly in the Settings app.
The tvOS 27 update is expected to arrive later this year, likely in September alongside Apple’s annual hardware event. It will be supported on the second and third generation Apple TV 4K boxes. However, this marks the end of the line for the Apple TV HD from 2015 and the first-generation Apple TV 4K from 2017.
While it’s reassuring to see Apple deliver meaningful performance gains for current hardware, many hope this update lays the groundwork for a long-rumored fourth-generation Apple TV 4K. The update is also expected to integrate the new Siri AI features coming with iOS 27.
(Source: What Hi-Fi? US)
