The Six Most Exciting New Apple TV Features in TvOS 26
The Apple TV streaming box has a relatively small user base, so it doesn’t get as much attention from Apple at the company’s big presentations. WWDC 2025 is no exception, but tvOS 26 still gets quite a few cool new features worth highlighting. Here are the biggest new tvOS 26 features coming to your Apple TV this fall.
New Karaoke Mode in Apple Music
On Apple TV, Apple Music is getting a new karaoke feature called Sing. It lets you use your iPhone as a microphone and encourages you to sing along to lyrics displayed on your Apple TV. The streaming box will then amplify your voice, allowing you to have a fun karaoke party at home. Of course, to access this, you’ll need iOS 26 on your iPhone in addition to tvOS 26 on your Apple TV. Plus, foreign lyrics will be translated into your language and even come with pronunciation guides.
Liquid glass design
tvOS 26 is also on the Liquid Glass train, and the TV could be the place where this design philosophy really shines. With a bigger screen comes larger design elements, where those new translucent widgets and icons should feel right at home. Plus, Apple promises you’ll be able to watch more shows and movies at once.
Select your Apple TV profile when waking from sleep
Every time you wake your Apple TV, you’ll be able to choose to see the profile selection page. This is great for a device that’s meant to be used by multiple family members, so everyone can return to content on their watchlist.
Always connected to your favorite speaker
This might be my favorite upcoming Apple TV feature. You’ll be able to go into tvOS settings and choose to always connect to your favorite speaker. That way, every time your Apple TV wakes up, it’ll select the speaker you want without having to fiddle with settings or manually connect to it. The only catch is that the speaker needs to support AirPlay for this feature to work.
Calling and FaceTime Improvements
If you use your Apple TV for calling, you’ll be glad you did. Apple is promising call notifications for the device, which means you’ll be able to answer calls using your Apple TV. Redesigned contact cards from the Phone app are also coming to tvOS 26. Separately, FaceTime on tvOS 26 will support more Live Captions languages.
New screensavers from India
One of my favorite features of the Apple TV is the video screensavers, which show slow-motion overhead views of different locations when the TV is not in use. It’s an incredibly aesthetic choice that makes my living room feel so much more peaceful. With tvOS 26, Apple TV is getting new aerial screensavers from India, which is exciting for someone who lives in the country. The natural beauty and geographical diversity of India is unmatched, and it’s great to see some of that coming to Apple TV.