# tvOS 18: Features, Release Date, Compatibility, and More
tvOS 18 is the newest operating system from Apple designed for Apple TV streaming devices and HomePod speakers. Following the feature-rich tvOS 17, tvOS 18 introduces a variety of enhancements and new capabilities intended to enhance the user experience throughout Apple’s ecosystem. While iOS 18 heavily emphasizes AI-powered features, tvOS 18 offers more understated yet significant updates. Here’s all you need to know about tvOS 18.
## tvOS 18 Release Date
tvOS 18 was officially launched on **September 16, 2024**. The first beta version was made available to developers on June 10, 2024, with a public beta following in July.
## Key Features of tvOS 18
tvOS 18 may not boast as many features as iOS 18, but it introduces numerous enhancements that enrich the Apple TV experience. Here are the key features:
### 1. **Apple TV App Improvements**
– **InSight**: A functionality akin to Amazon Prime Video’s X-Ray, InSight delivers real-time data about actors, characters, and music from Apple TV+ programming. Users can explore an actor’s background, film credits, or add songs from a scene to their Apple Music playlist.
– **Enhanced Dialogue**: This capability leverages machine learning to enhance vocal clarity amidst background sounds, music, and action sequences. It now functions with integrated TV speakers, HDMI-connected speakers, AirPods, and Bluetooth devices.
– **Automatic Subtitles**: Subtitles automatically activate when the spoken language in a show does not align with the device language, or when users mute or rewind content.
### 2. **New Video Formats and Screen Savers**
– **21:9 Aspect Ratio Compatibility**: For users who connect their Apple TV to a projector, tvOS 18 introduces support for the 21:9 aspect ratio, perfect for a cinematic experience.
– **New Screen Savers**: Apple has introduced new screen savers, such as **Portraits** and **TVs and Movies**, featuring characters like Snoopy and scenes from series like *Foundation*.
### 3. **FaceTime with Continuity Camera**
– **Live Captions**: FaceTime now includes live captions for English-speaking users in the US and Canada, enabling users to read what others are discussing during a call on their Apple TV.
### 4. **Safari Access**
– Apple has implemented an ingenious way to use **Safari** on Apple TV. When users try to view an Apple Vision Pro immersive video, they are prompted to open a Safari link on their iPhone or iPad via AirDrop.
### 5. **Apple Services and Home Features**
– **Apple Fitness+**: The Fitness+ interface has been revamped to provide a more customized experience, introducing new sections like **For You**, **Explore**, and **Library**.
– **Home App**: The Home app now enables users to monitor their electricity consumption (for supported utilities) and introduces guest access for smart locks, garage doors, and security systems.
### 6. **Photos App Revamp**
– The **Photos app** has been redesigned to facilitate the recollection of special moments. Users can now browse by themes and pin their favorite collections for quick access. Auto-playing content throughout the app animates photo libraries.
### 7. **Apple Music SharePlay**
– **Apple Music SharePlay** makes a return in tvOS 18, allowing users to share control over music playing on HomePod or HomePod mini. Users can add tracks to a playlist by scanning a QR code, even without an Apple Music subscription.
– **Spatial Audio Support for AirPlay**: Users can now experience immersive audio when streaming from iPhone or iPad to HomePod or compatible third-party devices.
## Delayed Features
Although tvOS 18 is already available, some features will be rolled out later:
– **Robot Vacuum Cleaners**: These will soon achieve compatibility with the Home app, allowing automation and voice control via Siri.
– **Movies and TV Screen Savers**: More screen savers featuring films and TV shows are anticipated to be added in the future.
– **21:9 Support**: Complete support for the 21:9 aspect ratio when connecting Apple TV to a projector is still pending.
## Major Software Updates
### tvOS 18.1 Features
Released on **October 28, 2024**, tvOS 18.1 is a minor update centered around bug fixes and security updates. Nevertheless, it includes a **Watchlist** feature, which mirrors content from Continue Watching but exclusively displays content that has not yet been started.
## Apple Intelligence Rumors
While tvOS 18 currently lacks Apple Intelligence features, speculation indicates that Apple
