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Apple has released tvOS 27 for Apple TV 4K. This year’s update doesn’t bring major changes to the system’s appearance, but there are still quite a few updates. It adds redesigned Podcasts and Music apps, faster AirPlay, Hi-Res Lossless audio, and several interface improvements. There’s also some bad news: two older Apple TV models have just lost support.
Two Apple TV models drop off the list
tvOS 27 can now be downloaded directly from Apple TV by going to Settings → System → Software Updates. With automatic updates enabled, the system should install itself. This time, however, you should pay special attention to the list of compatible devices. Apple now officially supports only the Apple TV 4K (2nd generation, 2021) and Apple TV 4K (3rd generation, 2022). That means tvOS 27 says goodbye to the 2015 Apple TV HD 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 practically redesigned from the ground up and now features an interface that uses a sidebar similar to the one in the Apple TV app. A far more important change, however, is full support for video podcasts. On the TV screen you can now browse episodes, resume playback of in-progress items, and access your subscribed channels. Apple has also redesigned 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 got a refreshed interface and new transitions between tracks. The AutoMix feature is meant to blend successive songs in a more seamless, DJ-style set. Far more important for people using Apple TV as a source in a home audio system is support for Hi-Res Lossless up to 24-bit / 192 kHz. Apple notes that a compatible external audio output is required to take advantage of 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 just run faster, too
tvOS 27 also brings a few less flashy changes. Apple says faster device connections over AirPlay, smoother animations, faster app launches, and a more responsive Control Center. There's also a system-wide option to increase text size in apps that support Dynamic Type. Apple has also changed how captions are displayed and customized.
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
