HomeKit Blog

Apple removed the latest version of tvOS for Apple TV at WWDC 2021. In addition to the usual bug fixes and performance improvements, Apple introduces several new features designed to improve navigation, audio, sharing, and HomeKit TVOS controls. this year. Here's all the news coming to your TV later this fall.

HomePod mini audio by default

One of the best features of the original HomePod - the ability to act as the default speaker for the Apple TV, comes on the HomePod mini this fall. By setting HomePod mini as the default speaker, Apple TV4K owners will be able to enjoy high-quality sound for all Apple TV applications and games without having to dive into Control Center or AirPlay settings every time.

Spatial audio

If you stick with audio, tvOS 15 will support Spatial Audio for certain movies and shows. The audio space creates a virtual, private surround sound experience that takes into account your position in relation to your TV while wearing compatible headphones.

Currently, Spatial Audio works with AirPods Pro as well as AirPods Max, and compatible content will be available from sources such as the Apple TV app.

SharePlay and shared with you

One of the main themes of WWDC 2021 was the improvement of social experiences in various applications, and Apple TV also comes into action in tvOS 15. Found in the control center of tvOS 15, SharePlay allows users to watch movies, TV shows and listen to music in FaceTime groups with synchronized playback for everyone.

In the Apple TV + application, a new one Distributed to you the section incorporates content shared by your favorite contacts via messages, email, and more. In addition to being a convenient way to see everything that's shared in one place, Apple TV puts the picture of your contacts right under your suggestion, so you can continue the conversation once you check out the latest show or movie.

Siri media commands

Siri also gets a significant upgrade to tvOS 15 with a new ability to call movies and shows on demand via the HomePod mini. Phrases like "Hey Siri - watch the latest episode of Ted Lasso" will stream the video right on Apple TV, being able to turn on the TV and automatically set it to the correct input on sets equipped with HDMI-CEC.

HomeKit

As in tvOS 14 last year, HomeKit cameras are getting love again in tvOS 15. The most important change is the ability to view multiple cameras simultaneously in one handy network view. You can access the new camera overview directly from the TV's Control Center, as well as a new grid button displayed on the full-screen camera screen.

HomeKit Secure compatible camcorders also have the ability to send activity alerts right on the big screen, such as HomeKit video sounds in tvOS 14. When a HomeKit camera detects motion, an image-in-picture notification window will appear above any active applications. , and you can access a full screen view with a click of the Siri remote.

Notifications are customizable for each room, and as with the Home app on iOS, you can specify what types of activity trigger the alert. Personalization means that you can filter pet or vehicle notifications, monitor package detection deliveries, or stop them altogether if you wish.

Finally, controls for HomeKit accessories will also be available in tvOS 15 while in camera view. Nearby HomeKit accessories - those assigned to the same camera with the camera will appear in the lower right corner of the camera screen. Four HomeKit accessories are initially displayed, but you can swipe to reveal more if you have many smart devices in your home.

Remote and screen save

Although not explicitly mentioned during the WWDC Keynote, tvOS 15 will continue the annual tradition of adding new aerial screen savers to Apple TV. The brief appearance of the new screen savers came at the end of the Home portion of Keynote in an overview slide, but unfortunately did not include any specific examples of what to expect.

On iOS, a revamped Apple TV remote app is available in the Control Center, which includes new buttons and changes to make browsing easier. The new remote buttons include standard TV features such as channel switching, power switching, menu and mute. The Siri button on Apple TVs moves to the hardware side buttons on the iPhone, and a Back button replaces the Menu, which matches the recent change found on the new Siri Remote.

Compatibility

As long as Apple TV is running tvOS, you can run tvOS 15 on it. This is Apple TV HD, Apple TV 4K (2017) and the shiny new Apple TV 4K (2021).

Apple TV devices from 2014 and earlier are running Apple TV software which uses a channel-style content installation system instead of applications. If you're not sure which Apple TV you own, look for an App Store. If you don't have an App Store, you have an older Apple TV that doesn't support tvOS.

release date

tvOS 15 will be available as a free download this fall with iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and macOS Monterey. Developers can download the tvOS 15 beta now, and a public beta will be released in July.

Questions on tvOS 15?

As you can see, there are many things to love in tvOS 15. Do you have questions about tvOS 15? Do you notice anything we missed? Tell us in the comments below!