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Apple has released tvOS 27 for the Apple TV 4K. This year’s update does not bring major visual overhauls to the system, but there are quite a few changes. The Podcasts and Music apps have been redesigned, AirPlay is faster, Hi‑Res Lossless audio is available, and there are several interface improvements. There is also bad news: two older Apple TV models have just lost support.
Two Apple TV models have been dropped from the support list
tvOS 27 can already be downloaded directly from your Apple TV by going to Settings → System → Software Updates. With automatic updates enabled, the system should install itself. This time, however, you need to pay particular attention to the list of compatible devices. Apple officially supports only the Apple TV 4K (2nd generation, 2021) and the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation, 2022). tvOS 27 therefore says goodbye to the Apple TV HD from 2015 and the first‑generation Apple TV 4K from 2017. Both devices were still running tvOS 26.
Apple Podcasts
One of the biggest changes in tvOS 27 can be found in the Apple Podcasts app. It has been almost completely redesigned and now features an interface that uses a sidebar similar to the one we already know from the Apple TV app. A much more significant change, however, is full support for video podcasts. On your TV you can now browse episodes, resume in-progress content and access subscribed channels. Apple has also rebuilt the individual show pages and the episode list.
Apple Music gets Hi-Res Lossless
Things are getting more interesting in Apple Music too. In tvOS 27 the app received a refreshed interface and new transitions between tracks. The AutoMix feature is intended to blend consecutive songs into a smoother, DJ-style flow. Far more important for people using Apple TV as a source in a home audio system, however, is support for Hi-Res Lossless up to 24-bit / 192 kHz. Apple notes that a compatible external audio output is required to use this quality. Until now Apple TV offered standard Lossless, so this is one of the more interesting changes for users of AV receivers and more elaborate audio setups.
The system should simply run faster
tvOS 27 also brings a few less spectacular changes. Apple says faster device connections over AirPlay, smoother animations, faster app launches and a more responsive Control Centre. There is also a system-wide option to increase text size in apps that support Dynamic Type. Apple has also changed the way subtitles are displayed and customised.
An interesting new feature is the ability to start an Apple TV update directly from the Home app on an iPhone running iOS 27. So you don't even need to turn on the TV or click through the set-top box's settings. Apple is also adding short recaps of earlier events from selected series to the TV app. The feature is intended to help you quickly refresh the storyline before starting the next episode, although its availability depends on the specific content and region.
No new Siri. At least for now
However, tvOS 27 lacks one feature many expected in this year's Apple updates: a new version of Siri powered by AI. Current Apple TV devices still use the existing assistant. This may be connected to the next-generation Apple TV 4K, which, according to leaks so far, is expected to get a more powerful processor and support for the new Siri functions. For now, though, these reports remain unofficial.
Sources: Apple's official guide
