tvOS 26 is right here, however solely newer Apple TVs get the total expertise

Alongside its model 26 launch of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and visionOS, Apple pushed out tvOS 26 to appropriate Apple TV fashions earlier this week. As with its different platforms, tvOS 26’s headlining function is a top-down visible overhaul, with a brand new Liquid Glass design language freshening up interface parts throughout the complete system.

Because it seems, nevertheless, tvOS 26 and Liquid Glass should not one and the identical. Solely second-generation and third-generation Apple TV 4K fashions are outfitted with Apple’s all-new software program aesthetic, leaving different tvOS 26-clad Apple TVs behind. For reference, the first-generation Apple TV 4K is appropriate with tvOS 26, as is each Apple TV HD unit going way back to 2015.

Apple by no means talked about this explicit compatibility sore level out loud on stage, however it’s not stunning. Liquid Glass’ real-time gentle reflections and liberal use of refractive parts is spectacular, however it’s additionally computationally taxing. The A10X Fusion chip dates again to 2017, and the Apple TV HD’s A8 processor is a relic from 2014 — in all probability, Liquid Glass would stutter and lag on these older streaming techniques.

Fortunately, the remainder of the tvOS 26 suite of options is accessible throughout all appropriate Apple TV fashions, save for the Apple Music Sing karaoke mode that requires the third-generation mannequin and a minimum of an iPhone 11 or third-generation iPhone SE. Different cross-model options inside tvOS 26 embrace a redesigned Apple TV app, revamped show profiles, Contact Posters for FaceTime, new Aerial screensavers, and extra.

The Apple TV 4K is due for a refresh

Apple’s present set-top field {hardware} is getting lengthy within the tooth

Pocket-lint / Apple

Apple TV set-top bins by no means obtain as a lot fanfare as, say, the most recent iPhones, however they are a well-established product class inside Apple’s {hardware} portfolio nonetheless. The newest Apple TV (and the one mannequin at present being bought immediately by Apple) is the third-generation 4K mannequin, which was launched all the way in which again in November 2022.

Rather a lot has modified in tech within the almost three years because the launch of the final Apple TV, and it is excessive time the corporate refreshed the product for the fashionable age. September’s iPhone 17 keynote got here and went with none point out of TV streaming {hardware}, leaving me to marvel if there can be one more Apple {hardware} occasion someday earlier than the top of the calendar 12 months.

In any case, rumors point towards a fourth-generation Apple TV 4K transport with an A17 Professional chipset, out-of-box help for Apple Intelligence AI options, and newer Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity requirements. These inclusions will surely go a good distance in future-proofing the machine, whereas unlocking the potential for true AAA video gaming and different extra highly effective software program purposes.

After all, a new Apple TV 4K would naturally ship with tvOS 26 out of the field, full with Liquid Glass and all the opposite perks launched by Apple on this explicit software program launch. Even with Liquid Glass coming to second-generation and third-generation fashions, I nonetheless assume the out-of-box tvOS 26 expertise would lend this theoretical fourth-generation Apple TV a definite id of its personal.