While iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence were the biggest announcements at WWDC 24, we also got updates to tvOS, HomePod, and AirPods.
Three new features have been introduced in tvOS 18, including InSigth – Apple’s very own contextual information cards that show you real-time information about the artists and music in Apple TV+ shows and movies. The feature works in conjunction with other services like Apple Music and allows you to add songs to your playlists and it also works when your iPhone is connected as a remote control.
Enhanced Dialogue for Apple TV 4K uses machine learning and computational audio to make those hard-to-hear dialogue more legible by boosting vocal clarity. Enhanced Dialogue will work with supported content on HomePod speakers, AirPods, and third-party Bluetooth speakers and soundbars.
tvOS 18 also brings support for 21:9 movies and shows on projectors, adds new screen saver options, and comes with a redesigned Apple Fitness+ app. Apple is rolling out tvOS 18 to three generations of Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K boxes later this fall.
Apple is also rolling out a firmware update for the HomePod and HomePod mini with the ability to share control over the speaker using SharePlay. This feature will work even if the user doesn’t have an active Apple Music subscription.
In related news, Apple announced a firmware update for AirPods users. Siri interaction allows AirPod users to interact with Siri through head gestures. Nodding for yes and shaking for no will allow you to answer or reject incoming calls, notifications, and alerts. The feature will be available on AirPods with the H2 chip which is currently only available on the AirPods Pro 2.
Voice isolation is another special feature coming to the second generation AirPods Pro. It leverages machine learning to isolate your voice, enhance sound quality, and remove unwanted noises like wind.
Personalized Spatial Audio is coming to gaming on AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max. Apple is also bringing improved voice quality to gaming sessions with support for 16-bit, 48kHz audio.
The AirPods developer beta is available to Apple Developer Program members, while the final firmware update will arrive later this fall.
