Author: Richard

**tvOS 26.4 Beta 1: The Elimination of Legacy iTunes Apps for Movies and TV Shows**

This week, Apple introduced the initial beta of tvOS 26.4, confirming the expected removal of the Movies and TV Shows applications from iTunes. This adjustment coincides with Apple’s ongoing efforts to unify media content within the TV app, a strategy that has been evolving for some time.

### Legacy iTunes Apps for Movies and TV Shows Absent from tvOS 26.4

In anticipation of this beta release, Apple began informing users about the phase-out of the iTunes Store’s ‘Wish List’ feature, which enabled users to bookmark media items for possible future acquisition. As iTunes has experienced a decrease in usage, the removal of this feature was anticipated. Apple has suggested that users who depended on the Wish List shift to utilizing the Watchlist feature within the TV app.

The timing of these modifications appears to be intentional, as Apple has been urging users to make use of the TV app for accessing their purchased content. With the rollout of tvOS 26.4, the separate Movies and TV Shows applications have been officially removed from both Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD devices.

The features previously provided by these applications have largely been absorbed into the TV app, which has been the main platform for media consumption on Apple devices for several years. The only significant exception to this integration was the Wish List feature, which, although still available in the iOS 26.4 beta 1, may face changes in subsequent updates.

For users on Apple TV, the elimination of the iTunes Wish List signifies that they will no longer have direct access to their saved items through the platform, highlighting a notable shift in how Apple oversees media purchases and user preferences.

### Conclusion

As Apple continues to refine its services and concentrate on the TV app, users may need to adjust to these developments. The removal of the dedicated Movies and TV Shows applications raises concerns regarding user experience and the future of media consumption on Apple devices. User feedback on these changes will likely influence Apple’s strategy moving forward.

Apple TV is elevating its sports portfolio, starting with the Major League Soccer (MLS) season, which commences this weekend. For the first time, all MLS games will be accessible for free to Apple TV subscribers, removing the previous necessity for a separate subscription known as the MLS Season Pass.

This update seeks to enhance the reach and appeal of MLS, enabling fans globally to view every game beginning Saturday, February 21. Apple has also unveiled a promotional video to build enthusiasm for the forthcoming season.

Alongside MLS, Apple TV will soon broadcast all Formula 1 races in the U.S., further broadening its sports offerings. The subscription for Apple TV costs $12.99 monthly, with reduced pricing options available through the Apple One package.

This initiative is anticipated to draw a larger number of soccer enthusiasts to the platform, offering a strong incentive to keep their subscriptions active.

**iOS 27: Expected Interface Adjustments and Fresh Design Leadership**

iOS 27 is poised to bring modifications to the iPhone’s interface, though these alterations are unlikely to be as comprehensive as those introduced in iOS 26. As reported by Mark Gurman’s *Power On* newsletter, Apple is focusing on artificial intelligence and bug resolutions in this forthcoming release, while also planning some interface adjustments.

### Interface Adjustments in iOS 27

Gurman indicates that while major UI revisions similar to last year’s Liquid Glass debut are not expected, the occurrence of any interface alterations is significant. Traditionally, iOS experiences subtle visual and functional updates each year, and iOS 27 will follow suit. Notably, these modifications will represent the first significant changes since a major shift in Apple’s design leadership.

### A New Chapter in Design Leadership

In December, Alan Dye, Apple’s previous VP of Human Interface Design, left for Meta, resulting in the promotion of Steve Lemay, a 26-year Apple veteran, to take his place. CEO Tim Cook commended Lemay’s vast expertise and his impact on Apple’s design philosophy. This leadership change has sparked enthusiasm within the company, and iOS 27 will be the inaugural platform to highlight Lemay’s influence.

### User Experience Improvements

As an advocate of Liquid Glass, users are anticipating specific enhancements in iOS 27. For example, issues like tab bars vanishing during scrolling and playback controls in Music and Podcasts interfering with critical functions are areas where improvements could greatly enhance user experience.

### Conclusion

The interface modifications in iOS 27 are likely to embody Steve Lemay’s design priorities and style, setting them apart from his predecessor’s vision. As excitement grows for the new updates, users are urged to contribute their desired changes for Liquid Glass and other interface features in the comments. The upcoming release is set to be an exhilarating phase in Apple’s design journey.