# Apple Unveils tvOS 26: An In-Depth Look
Apple has formally introduced the latest iteration of its operating system for the Apple TV, known as tvOS 26. This update is accessible for users of both Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD, though some functionalities may not be available on older hardware versions.
## Main Features of tvOS 26
### Liquid Glass Design
A standout modification in tvOS 26 is the debut of the Liquid Glass design, which fits seamlessly within Apple’s overarching design vision across its platform offerings. This innovative material can be seen in the Control Center and serves as the background for buttons within the system video player interface. The Liquid Glass effect mirrors real glass by reflecting and bending light, enhancing the visual aesthetics, particularly on OLED displays. Users can experience these effects by opening the Control Center in any application, resulting in a more elegant and immersive interface.
### Redesign of the Apple TV App
The Apple TV app has experienced a considerable overhaul, integrating the Liquid Glass theme. A significant alteration includes the shift from landscape to portrait artwork for film and TV show listings. The “Continue Watching” section now showcases unified cards that exhibit playback status and descriptions over visuals, although the capability to display a still image from the current episode has been removed.
### Karaoke Mode with Apple Music Sing Remote
With tvOS 26, enhancements to Apple Music Sing features allow users to connect their iPhones to the Apple TV to act as a wireless karaoke microphone. This functionality permits users to sing along with tracks playing on the television, complete with vocal effects and the ability to queue songs and send emoji responses through linked devices. Furthermore, the lyrics experience in Apple Music has been refreshed to feature translations and pronunciation tips for supported tracks.
### New Interface for User Profile Switching
To enhance the multi-user functionality, tvOS 26 presents a revamped user profile switching interface. This feature automatically reveals a user account switcher each time the Apple TV awakens from sleep, simplifying access to individual accounts for users. This option can be activated in the Settings under Users and Accounts.
### Additional Improvements
The update also introduces new Aerial screensavers that highlight the scenery of India, along with improved controls to choose which videos appear in the screensaver cycle. For users with AirPlay speakers, tvOS 26 enables the selection of any AirPlay 2 device as a consistent audio output, enhancing the sound quality during video viewing. Minor updates to FaceTime include alerts for incoming calls on the TV and broader support for Live Captions.
## Summary
While tvOS 26 brings a host of thrilling features and visual improvements, some users might still be let down by the absence of a revamped home screen experience and enhanced multi-user capabilities. Nevertheless, these updates enhance the enjoyment and cohesiveness of the experience for video, music, and photos, reinforcing the Apple TV’s status as a premium alternative to integrated smart TV interfaces. The Liquid Glass design coupled with the updated Apple TV app makes content navigation visually attractive, while the new karaoke functionalities and FaceTime upgrades further entwine the Apple ecosystem, enriching the overall user experience.
