New Apple TV features in tvOS 26

Apple recently shared details about tvOS 26, a new update for Apple TV now in developer beta. This update brings exciting changes, but some features only work on newer models like the Apple TV 4K (2nd and 3rd generations). One big highlight is the Liquid Glass design, which gives app icons a shiny, see-through look and adds colorful, reflective elements to the interface.

This modern style is exclusive to the newer Apple TV 4K models. The TV app now uses vertical cards for movie and show posters, saving screen space and making browsing easier. Another cool addition is an option to show user profiles automatically when the Apple TV starts, so you can quickly jump into your personalized watchlist or music playlists.

For music fans, Apple Music Sing gets an upgrade—you can use your iPhone as a microphone, with your voice amplified through the TV speakers. Friends can join in, queue songs, or add on-screen emojis. This feature requires the latest Apple TV 4K (3rd generation). Plus, some songs now offer translated lyrics.

FaceTime also gets better with tvOS 26, adding call notifications, custom contact posters, and Live Captions in languages like French, German, and Spanish. The update works on all Apple TV HD and 4K models, but the best features need newer hardware. tvOS 26 will be available to everyone later this year, with more surprises likely to pop up in beta testing.