tvOS 26 is right here, however solely newer Apple TVs get the total expertise

Alongside its model 26 launch of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and visionOS, Apple pushed out tvOS 26 to suitable Apple TV fashions earlier this week. As with its different platforms, tvOS 26’s headlining function is a top-down visible overhaul, with a brand new Liquid Glass design language freshening up interface parts throughout your entire system.

Because it seems, nonetheless, tvOS 26 and Liquid Glass aren’t one and the identical. Solely second-generation and third-generation Apple TV 4K fashions are outfitted with Apple’s all-new software program aesthetic, leaving different tvOS 26-clad Apple TVs behind. For reference, the first-generation Apple TV 4K is suitable with tvOS 26, as is each Apple TV HD unit going way back to 2015.

Apple by no means talked about this specific compatibility sore level out loud on stage, nevertheless it’s not shocking. Liquid Glass’ real-time gentle reflections and liberal use of refractive parts is spectacular, nevertheless it’s additionally computationally taxing. The A10X Fusion chip dates again to 2017, and the Apple TV HD’s A8 processor is a relic from 2014 — in all chance, Liquid Glass would stutter and lag on these older streaming methods.

Fortunately, the remainder of the tvOS 26 suite of options is obtainable throughout all suitable Apple TV fashions, save for the Apple Music Sing karaoke mode that requires the third-generation mannequin and no less than an iPhone 11 or third-generation iPhone SE. Different cross-model options inside tvOS 26 embrace a redesigned Apple TV app, revamped show profiles, Contact Posters for FaceTime, new Aerial screensavers, and extra.

The Apple TV 4K is due for a refresh

Apple’s present set-top field {hardware} is getting lengthy within the tooth

Pocket-lint / Apple

Apple TV set-top bins by no means obtain as a lot fanfare as, say, the most recent iPhones, however they are a well-established product class inside Apple’s {hardware} portfolio nonetheless. The most recent Apple TV (and the one mannequin at present being offered immediately by Apple) is the third-generation 4K mannequin, which was launched all the way in which again in November 2022.

Quite a bit has modified in tech within the practically three years for the reason that launch of the final Apple TV, and it is excessive time the corporate refreshed the product for the trendy age. September’s iPhone 17 keynote got here and went with none point out of TV streaming {hardware}, leaving me to surprise if there might be yet one more Apple {hardware} occasion someday earlier than the top of the calendar yr.

In any case, rumors point towards a fourth-generation Apple TV 4K delivery with an A17 Professional chipset, out-of-box assist for Apple Intelligence AI options, and newer Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity requirements. These inclusions will surely go a good distance in future-proofing the system, whereas unlocking the potential for true AAA video gaming and different extra highly effective software program functions.

In fact, a new Apple TV 4K would naturally ship with tvOS 26 out of the field, full with Liquid Glass and all the opposite perks launched by Apple on this specific software program launch. Even with Liquid Glass coming to second-generation and third-generation fashions, I nonetheless suppose the out-of-box tvOS 26 expertise would lend this theoretical fourth-generation Apple TV a definite identification of its personal.