tvOS 18: Apple hasn’t finished features, will deliver them later

tvOS 18 is not considered a great breakthrough in terms of innovation. Despite this, Apple was unable to implement all the announced features when the first public version was released. These should appear only gradually – until the end of the year. As Apple wrote in a statement this week, there are a total of three features that the company wants to bring to the multimedia box via an update “later this year.” Two concern hardware support; one is about content matters.

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Projectors and HomeKit

It has long been expected that tvOS will also support the 21:9 aspect ratio, which is popular in the world of beamers and projectors. This was also announced for tvOS 18. But it will not come to devices prior to tvOS 18.1 (or, at worst, tvOS 18.2).

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The second missing hardware feature is related to support for Apple’s HomeKit smart home technology available on Apple TV. The company announced here that it will also support vacuum cleaner robots. It is also set to be part of iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS 15. On Apple TV devices you will have to wait for a future tvOS 18 update. You can then add automation and scenes to the device.

Snoopy is still hiding in his hut

Also not part of tvOS 18 is a new – and quite nice to look at – screensaver with the “Peanuts” character Snoopy. These and apparently other new waiting animations are also coming “later this year” – without specifying an exact time.

However, active in tvOS 18 is the new “Insights” function, which “displays information about the actors, characters and music of all live-action Apple TV+ movies and series on the screen in real time,” says Apple. In addition, a new version of “Improve Dialogues” is available, which aims to better pick up voices. Subtitles appear automatically. HomeKit support comes with guest access, AirPlay gets 3D audio and FaceTime can use live subtitles (although only in English). The Fitness+ app has been visually redesigned and there are improvements to the use of multimedia controls via SharePlay. This update is available for Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K.

(B.Sc.)