Apple calls the latest version of tvOS “tvOS 13.” This is a nod to the fact that it is based on the iOS app framework, even though it doesn’t look like iOS. With the latest versions of macOS and iOS, we’ve seen the Apple TV app make its way to other platforms, giving you the Apple TV experience on the go. But a household usually only has one TV and one Apple TV, despite numerous users, each with their own tastes. It’s an OS that is more popular when it’s as simple as possible. That’s why, though this is a small update, it’s actually a substantial update to make the Apple TV the hub of your home and unique for each user. Let’s take a look.
In This Article:
Multi-User Support
You likely only have one TV in your house. Perhaps you have others, but there’s one “main” TV. One place you sit down with your friends, your significant other, your family, or your children. You all use the Apple TV, but that messes up your suggestions. Your roommate might be into clichéd action movies while you prefer clichéd romantic comedies. With tvOS 13, you’ll be able to quickly switch between users, so your preferences and suggestions don’t get mixed up.
Gaming
Apple will release Apple Arcade this fall, which will bring many premium games to Apple’s platform, including tvOS. But we knew that already. What’s most impressive is the way you’ll be able to play those games. Don’t like the MFI controllers Apple already has for iOS devices, macOS, and the Apple TV? Maybe you, like me, play games using a PS4 controller on your PS4 as well as your Mac or PC. Maybe you use an Xbox controller. With the Apple TV, you won’t have to put that controller down. You won’t have to litter your apartment with controllers for different consoles. The Apple TV has support for the two most popular controllers in the world, the PS4 controller and the Xbox controller. That, along with the Apple Remote and MFI controllers, makes the Apple TV as versatile as a Mac when it comes to gaming. Maybe more.
New Home Screen
Apple’s also updating the home screen to simplify the interface. They’re also bringing full screen previews of the content available in apps, with the ability to preview content right from the home screen. The experience is more immersive than ever, and you’re really going to appreciate it on larger screens.
Apple Apps
Apple Music is coming to the Apple TV, with a new control center interface that makes controlling the music from anywhere easy. Along with multi-user support, each person in your household will be able to find their library on the Apple TV. The app will also include synced lyrics, so you can sing along if you want. Of course, if you sing like me, that’s a quick way to make enemies of all your neighbors.
New Screen Savers
Finally, Apple’s bringing new screen savers to the Apple TV. This may sound like a silly thing to mention, but Apple’s beautiful screensavers look great on the Apple TV. I’ve been at more than one party where the host (or myself) simply played music from the Apple TV while the screen saver was playing. The new screen savers come from a collaboration with the BBC’s Natural History Unit, and will feature underwater scenes.
The Apple TV evolution is a small one, but that’s the way it should be. A TV-based OS should get out of your way more than it should stand in front of it. When you boot up your TV, you just want to dive headfirst into the content you were looking forward to watching. Apple’s tvOS does just that.