The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →tvOS 26 has been available as a free software update since September 15, 2025. It adds Apple’s Liquid Glass interface and updates to the Apple TV app, profiles, app sign-in, Apple Music Sing, FaceTime, screensavers, and audio setup. Apple identifies Apple TV 4K (2nd generation and later) as eligible for the new design, so owners of those models do not need to replace their device just to get tvOS 26. Feature availability can vary by region and language.
Is tvOS 26 available, and does it cost anything?
Yes. Apple made tvOS 26 available as a free software update on September 15, 2025. The update itself does not require a purchase. Apple’s release notice cautions that some features may vary by region or language, and its feature announcement also notes that local laws can affect availability. Apple’s tvOS 26 release announcement
Which Apple TV models support the new design?
Apple names Apple TV 4K (2nd generation and later) as eligible for the Liquid Glass design. If you have one of those models, there is no update-driven reason to buy another Apple TV. The cited announcement does not establish eligibility for older Apple TV hardware, so do not assume an older model qualifies based on this information. Apple’s design announcement
What changes in tvOS 26?
Liquid Glass interface
Liquid Glass is Apple’s translucent visual material, described as reflecting and refracting its surroundings and changing with content or context. In the Apple TV experience, the design aims to keep video prominent while viewers access controls such as fast-forward and rewind, a sleep timer, audio adjustments, and a “Movie night” scene in Control Center. These are Apple’s descriptions of the intended design, not independent usability test results. Apple’s vice president of Human Interface Design, Alan Dye, said the material “combines the optical qualities of glass with a fluidity only Apple can achieve, as it transforms depending on your content or context.” Apple’s design announcement Apple’s tvOS 26 release announcement
#1 Best Overall
- 4K High Dynamic Range (Dolby Vision and HDR10) for stunning picture quality
- Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound
- A10X Fusion chip for ultra-fast graphics and performance
- Voice search by asking the Siri Remote
Apple TV app and profiles
The Apple TV app gets redesigned, cinematic poster artwork intended to make more shows and movies visible at a glance. You can also choose to show profiles automatically when Apple TV wakes. Profiles provide access to personal recommendations and the TV app Watchlist, along with Apple Music playlists. Apple’s tvOS 26 release announcement
Streamlined app sign-in
Apple announced a developer API that lets apps link logins to an Apple Account to make signing in easier when setting up a new device. This is an option developers can use; Apple’s announcement does not say that every third-party app supports it. Apple’s tvOS 26 release announcement
Apple Music Sing
With Apple Music Sing, an iPhone can act as a handheld microphone, with a participant’s voice amplified through the TV. Participants can also use their own iPhones to queue songs or send on-screen emoji reactions. Apple describes real-time lyrics and visual effects, as well as Lyrics Translation and Pronunciation. The announcement does not state that a new iPhone is required. Apple’s tvOS 26 release announcement
Rank #2
- DESIGNED IN THE USA.
- WHAT’S IN THE BOX: Deluxe Apple TV mount and mounting hardware. (Apple TV 4K, remote, and HDMI cable are not included.)
- PERFECT for wall-mounted televisions: Attaches Apple TV to the back of your television (or to a wall near your television).
- COMPATIBLE with ALL Apple TV generations and models. (This mount is compatible with Apple TV 4K Wi-Fi and Apple TV 4K Wi-Fi + Ethernet. This mount is compatible with all 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019 Apple TV models.)
- HEAT MANAGEMENT – Ventilation channels allow cool air to flow under your Apple TV.
FaceTime improvements
FaceTime Contact Posters show a caller’s customized photo and name. Apple says Live Captions expand to French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Spanish. FaceTime audio and phone-call notifications appear for the active profile; calls can be answered on a connected HomePod speaker or an iPhone. Apple’s tvOS 26 release announcement
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Apple adds Aerial screensavers captured across India and lets users select or hide specific Aerial screensaver categories. A new audio setting lets you designate an AirPlay-enabled speaker as Apple TV’s permanent speaker. Apple’s tvOS 26 release announcement
Quick Recap
What to consider before updating
- Check your model: Apple specifies Apple TV 4K (2nd generation and later) for the new Liquid Glass design.
- Check feature availability: Apple warns that regional, language, and local-law differences may affect some features.
- Set expectations: Apple’s announcements describe the features and intended experience; they do not provide independent performance or usability measurements, or a complete country-by-country feature matrix.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
