Apple’s annual WWDC introduces new OS versions for each of Apple’s major platforms. iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and macOS updates are all most people care about, but some of you have an Apple TV (streaming device) or even an Apple Vision Pro at home. Here are the new features you can expect soon.
tvOS
Apple has optimized tvOS 27 and promises faster app launches and a more responsive Control Center. Apple Music also starts playing faster. Speaking of which, Apple Music gets support for Hi-Res lossless (24-bit/192kHz) playback. Additionally, the AirPlay connection between Apple TV and HomePods should be fast.
The Podcasts app has been redesigned to support both audio and video podcasts. Apple TV is also getting support for smart download. If you play games on your Apple TV, you’ll appreciate the redesigned game controller screen.
Redesigned Podcasts app for tvOS 27
If you have smart devices at home, Apple TV now supports Thread 1.4. Additionally, it has support for 4K video recording. HomeKit Secure video recordings are processed on the device to generate description and facilitate discovery.
There are also some new accessibility features, like the option for larger text in the UI and broader support for Made for iPhone hearing aids. English subtitles can be machine-translated into more languages.
Note that tvOS 27 is available as a developer beta right now and should be available as a public beta soon. The stable version will be released later this year, possibly in September.
VisionOS
Most of the upgrades to Apple’s XR headset center around the new Siri AI and Apple Intelligence features. The first isn’t even a feature of the Apple Vision Pro, Siri is simply getting smarter – not just here, but on all supported Apple devices (it’s a short list, but it includes the Vision Pro). There’s also a new Siri app.
New Siri app • Safari automatically groups your bookmarks • Image Playground
The new Visual Intelligence allows you to look at something and ask Siri about it. Apple Intelligence is tied into many apps, for example Safari automatically groups your Reading List items by topic and gives you more control in the image playground.
VisionOS 27 will make Apple Vision Pro easier to use. You can use it to convert panoramas into spatial scenes – once this is done, you can set those scenes as your environment.
• Convert panoramas to environments • Curved windows • Preview and edit 3D objects
The new version also lets you create curved virtual windows. And you can bring the 3D object into your workspace for preview and editing. Apple also reworked the Control Center and made it so that notifications automatically expand when you view them.
Like tvOS, the new VisionOS 27 is in developer beta and will be in open beta soon. The stable version will be available later this year.