Apple has today released tvOS 14, bringing what at best can be described as small, incremental changes for the Apple TV.
For gamers, tvOS 14 brings quick game resume with multi-user support, similar to features on the PS4 and Xbox One, that let you jump right back into a game where you left off, and new support for the Xbox Elite Series 2 and Xbox Adaptive Controllers.
Picture-in-picture support has been expanded as well. Now users can use fitness apps while watching live TV or use picture-in-picture videos shared across AirPlay.
Apple has today released tvOS 14.0.2 for Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD.
Outside of the major upgrade each year, tvOS updates are typically minor in scale with a focus on under-the-hood fixes and performance improvements. As Apple does not provide release notes for tvOS updates, we will have to wait and see if tvOS 14.0.2 does include user facing changes. We will update this post if anything of note is discovered.
Apple has today released tvOS 15.1.1 for Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD.
Outside of the major upgrade each year, tvOS updates are typically minor in scale with a focus on under-the-hood fixes and performance improvements. As Apple does not provide release notes for tvOS updates, we will have to wait and see if tvOS 15.1.1 does include user facing changes. We will update this post if anything of note is discovered.
Apple has today released tvOS 15.5.1 and HomePod software 15.5.1.
While we do not currently know what's included in tvOS 15.5.1, Apple's release notes for HomePod software 15.5.1, via MacRumors mentions a fix for an issue that caused music to stop playing after a short time.
Apple has today released tvOS 16.3 and HomePod software version 16.3.
tvOS updates tend to be smaller in scope compared to the annual major release and often focus on resolving bugs and improving performance. As Apple does not provide release notes for tvOS updates, it's uncertain whether tvOS 16.3 includes any user-facing changes. We will have to wait and see what this update brings. We will keep you informed by updating this post if any noteworthy changes are discovered.
Apple has today released tvOS 9.2 for the fourth-generation Apple TV, bringing with it a number of significant new features; bug fixes;and under-the-hood improvements.
Accessibility-Related Changes and Improvements in tvOS 9.2
We were not in a position to test this update before its release, so do not know at this time if it includes any accessibility-related changes or improvements. So, if you encounter any changes, please be sure to let us know in the comments below.
Apple has today released software version 15 for both HomePod and HomePod mini.
In addition to some unspecified bug fixes and stability improvements, according to the release notes via 9to5Mac, this update brings some notable new features and enhancements:
Apple has today released Watch OS 1.0.1, marking the first update to the Apple Watch OS since the device was released in April.
According to Mac Rumors, the 1.0.1 update contains various bug fixes and improvements - accessibility being among them - as well as support for the new emojis found in iOS 8.3:
Apple has today released watchOS 11.1 to the public, bringing bug fixes but also introducing changes to default system volume and the default behavior for the VoiceOver Volume Rotor.
While we are unsure if this is an issue that is specific to VoiceOver, our testing suggests that Apple has made some changes to the default system volume level in watchOS 11.1.
Apple has today released watchOS 2, marking the first major update to the Apple Watch operating system since the device was released in April.
According to Apple. this release brings a mixture of refinements and new features to the Apple Watch:
With watchOS 2, we’ve refined it. There are more faces to choose from. Faster, more powerful apps. Enhanced communication options. And innovative new ways to make your Apple Watch your own.
For blind and low vision users, Apple has addressed a bug where the on/off status of alarms was not spoken by VoiceOver; changing the text input language when replying is also now accessible.
Unlike iOS 9.1 and OS X 10.11.1, there were no pre-release betas of watchOS 2.0.1 issued to developers. Thus, if additional accessibility changes are identified, we will update this post accordingly.
Apple has today released watchOS 2.1 for the Apple Watch. This update brings bug fixes and under-the-hood improvements, as well as language support for Arabic, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Malay, Portuguese, and Vietnamese.
Apple has today released watchOS 2.2 for the Apple Watch, bringing with it new features and bug fixes.
In terms of new features, watchOS 2.2 introduces support for pairing multiple Apple Watches with a single iPhone; this feature requires both watchOS 2.2 and iOS 9.3 on the iPhone. Additionally, the native Maps app has gained support for the Nearby feature first introduced with iOS 9, and also now offers quicker access to directions to home and work.
Apple has today Released watchOS 4.2, bringing support for Apple Pay Cash, Apple's new peer-to-peer payment service that allows users to send money to one another via the Messages app.
According to MacRumors watchOS 4.2 also “adds support for HomeKit sprinklers and faucets, plus it introduces a new workout type that allows third-party apps to track distance, average speed, number of runs, and elevation descended for downhill snow sports with Apple Watch Series 3.”