tvOS 26 Arrives, But Feature Support Varies by Apple TV Model
Cupertino, CA – June 10, 2024 – Apple has released tvOS 26, the latest operating system for apple TV, bringing enhancements to the user experiance and underlying system functionality. However, not all Apple TV devices are receiving the full suite of new features, leaving some users with a limited experience.
The update, rolled out following the conclusion of WWDC 2024, introduces improvements to Siri, enhanced connectivity options, and a refined interface. Crucially, support for features like Apple Intelligence and advanced Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 7 capabilities are largely restricted to the newest Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) hardware. Owners of older Apple TV models – including the Apple TV HD and earlier 4K versions – will receive the core tvOS 26 update but will miss out on these key advancements.
This tiered feature availability highlights Apple’s strategy of aligning software capabilities with the processing power and hardware specifications of it’s devices. While the update ensures continued security and performance improvements for all supported Apple TVs, the most important enhancements are reserved for those with the latest hardware. Users can update their devices through the Settings menu under System and Software Updates.