Apple has today released tvOS 12. In this post we highlight some of the new changes and features that this update will bring to the fourth and fifth-generation Apple TV.
. It is perhaps unsurprising that the platform which received the least attention during Apple's WWDC keynote earlier this year, is also the one which sees the fewest new features and significant changes in the pending round of OS releases.
Alongside of the releases of iOS 13.2 and iPadOS 13.2, Apple has also today released tvOS 13.2 and a software update for HomePod that adds multi-user support.
Apple has today released tvOS 13, bringing a redesigned Home screen; a new Control Center; multi-user support; picture-in-picture; and more to Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD.
tvOS 13 introduces an updated Home screen, which Apple says is designed for discovery:
Apps can now play full-screen video previews on the Home screen, so users can quickly enjoy great new TV shows, movies, music and games.
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 15, bringing what at best can be described as small, incremental changes for the Apple TV.
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 16, bringing what at best can be described as small, incremental changes for the Apple TV.
As reported by MacRumors, Apple has today released tvOS 18.2.1 to the public.
According to an Apple Support Document, tvOS 18.2.1 resolves an issue with data synchronization across devices:
This update addresses an issue where data may not sync correctly across devices.
At this time, we are not aware of any other changes in tvOS 18.2.1.
Apple has today released tvOS 26 to the public.
Our team was unfortunately unable to test tvOS 26 during the beta cycle, and thus we do not have any information as to whether this release contains any improvements or regressions for VoiceOver, braille, or low vision accessibility. We are starting this post in hopes that it will serve as a place for the community to share and discuss any and all information related to the tvOS 26 release.
Apple has today released tvOS 9.1 for the fourth-generation Apple TV.
According to AppleInsider, tvOS 9.1 adds support for Siri searches in the Apple Music service and support for Apple's official Remote app both on iOS devices as well as the Apple Watch.
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.
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.
Today, for the first time since 2012, Apple released updated versions of the iPod line of products. This includes updates to the Touch, Shuffle, and Nano, all of which now come in more colors than before.
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 version 26.3 of the macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and HomePod Software platforms.
In our usage and testing of macOS Tahoe 26.3 and watchOS 26.3, we did not identify any changes in these releases that specifically affect the experience for blind, deaf blind, or low vision users. We were unable to test tvOS 26.3 or HomePod Software 26.3. If you notice any changes in your own use of any of these releases, please do let us know by posting a comment.
Apple has today released version 26.5 of the macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and HomePod Software platforms.
In our usage and testing of macOS Tahoe 26.5 and watchOS 26.5, we did not identify any changes in these releases that specifically affect the experience for blind, deaf blind, or low vision users. We were unable to test tvOS 26.5 or HomePod Software 26.5. If you notice any changes in your own use of any of these releases, please do let us know by posting a comment.
Apple has today released version 26.5.1 of the iOS and macOS platforms, bringing a fix for an issue with wired charging on iPhone 17 and iPhone Air devices, as well as a fix for an issue that could cause Macs with the M5 chip to unexpectedly shut down when content filtering extensions were in use.
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: