With another WWDC keynote over, Apple has decided, once again, to ignore tvOS 27, its next operating system update for Apple TV users. Although Apple hasn’t focused on new features in its set-top box, at least eight features will be available on Apple TV. While this update doesn’t seem as notable as tvOS 26 or tvOS 18, Apple is improving the Liquid Glass design introduced last year, revamping the Podcasts app, including smart downloads, improved AirPlay connections, and more.
Unlike other operating system updates, which all have their own page on Apple’s website, the company hasn’t set up a dedicated section for new features in tvOS 27. One of the main reasons could be that Apple is preparing a bigger hardware upgrade later this year, so it can announce even more features in the coming months, like the long-rumored Apple Intelligence support with the now-announced new Siri.
On top of that, while tvOS 27 doesn’t currently look like a major upgrade, it does remove support for the first-generation Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K. With this, it is the first time since Apple unveiled tvOS software that it has limited the availability of upcoming software to its set-top box. Here’s what you need to know about tvOS 27.
tvOS 27 refines the Apple TV experience
In a long list of features Apple briefly introduced during the WWDC 2026 keynote, the company highlighted some, if not all, of the new features coming to Apple TV. For example, the most notable feature is a redesigned Podcasts app. With this, the tvOS counterpart comes closer to what the company offers for iOS, iPadOS and Mac. The second main feature is Smart Downloads on Apple TV. Although the details are unclear, this is likely related to how users can manage apps, as tvOS does not allow users to download content from streaming services to the set-top box.
In addition to these two features, Apple now lists AppleCare coverage details in tvOS settings. Although AppleCare has been available for Apple TV for some time, the company could have tweaked the experience to bring it closer to other operating systems, or because it is preparing the release of new hardware, sparking users’ interest in longer protection for their devices.
Like iOS 27 and macOS 27 Golden Gate, Apple is also making tvOS 27 more snappy, as it brings a more responsive Control Center and speeds up app launch animations. This fourth main change for the set-top box will be noticeable once the company releases this software for Apple TV users in the fall.
Apple improves AirPlay connectivity and accessibility options
While Apple is expected to release new hardware for Apple TV, the company is also expected to introduce new HomePod models, with a second-generation HomePod mini and a third generation of the original HomePod. These speakers should provide support for the all-new Siri and Apple Intelligence. While Apple has yet to unveil these plans, tvOS 27 is already improving connectivity between current-generation Apple TV and HomePod models with faster AirPlay connections. While Apple hasn’t talked about tvOS, it seems like it’s part of a broader push by the company to phase out existing code and fix bugs.
Apple has added new, larger text sizes for accessibility. According to woozad, users can adjust subtitles from on-screen text using a built-in slider. On top of that, Text Size now supports Dynamic Type, but third-party platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, which use their own video player instead of Apple’s built-in option, have yet to add compatibility to this feature in an upcoming software update. So far, this feature is available in English in the United States and Canada, but with the hope that it will reach new markets in the coming months and years. Finally, the eighth new thing is that Apple has improved the way users can pair their hearing aids with Apple TV. We might learn more about tvOS 27 as Apple releases new beta versions or when the company feels ready to introduce new hardware.
