tvOS 26.4 Released with New Features and System Updates for Apple TV

Apple has released tvOS 26.4, a significant software update now available for Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD models. This update brings a suite of new features and improvements designed to enhance the user experience, from content discovery to audio performance.

tvOS 26.4 introduces new features such as 'Genius Browse' for content discovery and an optional 'Continuous Audio Connection' setting to address an audio playback issue on Apple TV 4K. Additionally, the update includes enhanced subtitle styling options, the removal of separate iTunes content applications, and general performance improvements.

Availability and Installation

tvOS 26.4 is available for all Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD models, including those dating back to 2015. Users can easily access the update by navigating to Settings > System > Software Updates directly on their devices.

Key Features and Improvements

The update introduces Genius Browse within the Apple TV application. This new section provides personalized content recommendations for TV shows and movies, organized by engaging themes such as "Bittersweet Family Dramas" or "Good for a Pick-Me-Up." These suggestions are based on user content preferences and are updated regularly.

An optional 'Continuous Audio Connection' setting has been added, specifically designed to address an audio playback issue on Apple TV 4K. This issue previously occurred during transitions between programs that utilized different audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos and stereo. The new setting, found under Settings > Video and Audio > Audio Format > HDMI Output, enables a Dolby MAT connection for consistent audio playback.

Users can now adjust the style of subtitles and captions directly from the video player within the Apple TV app and other compatible applications. Options include changes to size, appearance, and enabling transparent backgrounds, eliminating the need to access the main Settings application for these adjustments.

The preinstalled iTunes TV Shows and iTunes Movies applications have been removed from Apple TV devices. All content previously accessible through these applications is now seamlessly available within the Apple TV app.

tvOS 26.4 also includes general performance and stability enhancements for the operating system, ensuring a smoother and more reliable user experience.