tvOS

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search

tvOS
The tvOS logo (2015)
Apple tvOS 13 screenshot.png
The homescreen of tvOS 13.
DeveloperApple Inc.
Written inC, C++, Swift, Objective-C, assembly language
OS family
Working stateCurrent
Source modelClosed, with open-source components
Initial releaseOctober 29, 2015; 6 years ago (2015-10-29)
Latest release15.5.1[1] (19L580)[2] (May 25, 2022; 9 days ago (2022-05-25)) [±]
Latest preview15.6 beta 2[3] (19M5037c)[4] (May 31, 2022; 3 days ago (2022-05-31)) [±]
Marketing targetTelevision, casual gaming
Available in71 languages
List of languages
Bahasa Indonesia, Bahasa Melayu, Català, Čeština, Dansk, Deutsch (Deutschland), Deutsch (Österreich), Deutsch (Schweiz), English (Australia), English (Canada), English (India), English (Ireland), English (New Zealand), English (Singapore), English (South Africa), English (United Kingdom), English (United States), Español (Argentina), Español (Bolivia), Español (Chile), Español (Colombia), Español (Costa Rica), Español (Ecuador), Español (El Salvador), Español (España), Español (Estados Unidos), Español (Guatemala), Español (Honduras), Español (Latinoamérica), Español (México), Español (Nicaragua), Español (Panamá), Español (Paraguay), Español (Perú), Español (Puerto Rico), Español (República Dominicana), Español (Uruguay), Español (Venezuela), Français (Belgique), Français (Canada), Français (France), Français (Suisse), Hrvatski, Italiano (Italia), Italiano (Svizzera), Magyar, Nederlands (België), Nederlands (Nederland), Norsk bokmål, Polski, Português (Brasil), Português (Portugal), Română, Slovenčina, Suomi, Svenska, Tiếng Việt, Türkçe, Ελληνικά, Русский, Українська, עברית, العربية, हिंदी, ภาษาไทย, 한국어, 日本語, 简体中文, 繁體中文 (台灣), 繁體中文 (澳門), 繁體中文 (香港)
Update methodFirmware-over-the-air
Platforms
  • ARMv8-A (tvOS 9 and later)
  • ARMv7-A (Apple TV Software 4 – Apple TV Software 7)
Kernel typeHybrid (XNU)
Default
user interface		10-foot user interface
LicenseCommercial proprietary software
Official websitedeveloper.apple.com/tvos
Support status
Supported

tvOS (formerly Apple TV Software) is an operating system developed by Apple Inc. for the 2nd generation and later Apple TV digital media player. It is based on the iOS operating system and has many similar frameworks, technologies, and concepts.

The Apple TV Software for the 2nd and 3rd generation Apple TV has several built-in applications, but does not support third-party applications.

On September 9, 2015 at a media event, Apple announced the 4th generation Apple TV, with support for third-party applications. Apple changed the name of the Apple TV operating system to tvOS, adopting the camelcase nomenclature that they were using for their other operating systems, iOS and watchOS.[5]

History[edit]

On October 30, 2015, the 4th generation Apple TV became available, and shipped with tvOS 9.0. On November 9, 2015, tvOS 9.0.1 was released, primarily an update to address minor issues.

tvOS 9.1 was released on December 8, 2015 along with OS X 10.11.2, iOS 9.2, and watchOS 2.1.[6] Along with these updates, Apple also updated the Remote apps on iOS and watchOS, allowing for basic remote functionality for the 4th generation Apple TV (previously, said app only worked with past versions of Apple TV).[7]

On November 25, 2015, Facebook debuted their SDK for tvOS, allowing applications to log into Facebook, share to Facebook, and use Facebook Analytics in the same way that iOS applications can.[8]

On December 2, 2015, Twitter debuted their login authentication service for tvOS – "Digits" – allowing users to log into apps and services with a simple, unique code available online.[9]

On March 11, 2016, The Pangu Team announced on Twitter that they would be creating a new jailbreak tool for the Apple TV 4 running tvOS 9.0–9.0.1 and that it would be released the following week.[10]

On June 13, 2016, at WWDC 2016, Apple SVP of Internet Services Eddy Cue announced the next major version of tvOS, tvOS 10. tvOS 10 brought new functionality, such as Siri search enhancements, single sign on for cable subscriptions, a dark mode, and a new Remote application for controlling the Apple TV, and was officially released on September 13, 2016, along with iOS 10.

On April 13, 2020, it was discovered that Apple's Siri Smart Speaker HomePod began to run variants of the tvOS software.[citation needed]

On June 22, 2020, at WWDC 2020, tvOS 14 was announced. tvOS 14 brought support for the Home app and 4K YouTube videos and was officially released on September 16, 2020, along with iOS 14 and iPadOS 14.

On June 7, 2021, at WWDC 2021, tvOS 15 was announced. tvOS 15 brought new features and improvements, including SharePlay, a new “Shared with You” section on the TV app, and the ability to play content via voice command,[11] and was officially released on September 20, 2021, along with iOS 15 and iPadOS 15.

Features[edit]

tvOS 9 shipped with several new features on the fourth generation Apple TV. One of the major features was the ability to move through the interface with the new touchpad remote using multi-touch gestures. It introduced a new App Store in which users can download and install new applications (such as apps and games) made available from developers that develop applications for the Apple TV and tvOS. tvOS 9 adds support for Siri, which lets users do a multitude of things such as a cross-application search for a movie/TV show, rewind, fast forward, name and actor/director of the current movie, and skip back 15 seconds. tvOS added support for an application switcher on the Apple TV, more application customization options, cinematic screensavers, and control the TV using the included Siri Remote with the built-in support for HDMI-CEC in tvOS. In addition, tvOS allows the user to control the Apple TV in many different ways. These include using the included Siri Remote, pairing a third-party universal remote, pairing an MFi Gamepad to control games, using the Remote app on iOS, and pairing a Bluetooth keyboard to aid in the typing experience of the user.

Accessibility[edit]

tvOS was designed based on iOS, as such tvOS inherited many of the accessibility features of iOS and macOS.

tvOS includes the Apple technologies of VoiceOver, Zoom, and Siri to help the blind and those with impaired vision. VoiceOver, Apple's screen reader, is available in more than 30 languages and enables visually impaired users to know what is on the visual display and input responses to on-screen prompts. VoiceOver uses gestures similar to other Apple products (flicks, taps, and the rotor).

Like other Apple products such as the iPhone with a three click sequence to the home button to activate accessibility features, with Apple TV's tvOS, a user can activate VoiceOver without any installation process. One needs only to triple-click the Menu button on the Siri Remote and the Apple TV will guide the user through the complete initial setup, a task that is non-trivial to the visually impaired in most comparable products on the market.

Another accessibility feature is to increase contrast on the screen which acts by reducing the transparency of background elements on Movie and TV Show pages, menu tabs, and other parts of the operating system. High-contrast can also be turned on, with a cursor to better delineate the focused content. The user can also opt to turn on Reduce Motion which in some screen actions, such as moving between app icons on the Home screen and launching apps are visually simpler which is of benefit to reduce strain on the eyes.

tvOS enables users to watch movies with audio descriptions of what is being shown on the screen. Movies with audio descriptions are displayed with the AD (Audio Description) icon in the iTunes Store for tvOS and in iTunes on a Macintosh or Windows PC.

Pairing a Bluetooth keyboard with the tvOS on the Apple TV enables another accessibility feature that also is an incorporation of VoiceOver. When typing, VoiceOver mirrors with an audio voice, each character pressed on the keyboard and repeated again when it is entered. The Apple TV is designed to work with the Apple Wireless Keyboard or the Apple Magic Keyboard. It will work however with almost any brand of Bluetooth keyboard.

Apple TV with and without tvOS supports closed captioning, so the deaf or hard of hearing can experience TV episodes and feature-length movies. Compatible episodes and movies are denoted with a CC (closed captioning) or SDH (subtitles for the deaf or hard-of-hearing) icon in the iTunes Store either on the Apple TV or in iTunes itself. The viewer can customize the captions in episodes or movies with styles and fonts that are more conducive to their hearing and/or visual impairment.

The Touch surface on the Siri Remote is customizable. Tracking when set to Fast adjusts the thumb movements made to amplify the distance in relation to how far the thumb has moved on the glass touchpad. Conversely when tracking is set to slow, larger movements of the thumb on the touchpad will tune down the distance that is traversed on the screen. This can help people with disabilities.

Apple's Remote app on iOS devices allows control of the Apple TV from an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. The iOS remote app increases the accessibility of the Apple TV by enabling Switch Control. Switch Control is a unique Apple technology that enables navigation sequentially through onscreen items and perform specific actions such as selecting, tapping, dragging, typing using third party Bluetooth-enabled switch hardware made for those with handicaps.

Development[edit]

tvOS 9 ships with all-new development tools for developers. tvOS adds support for an all-new SDK for developers to build apps for the TV including all of the APIs included in iOS 9 such as Metal. It also adds the tvOS App Store which allows users to browse, download, and install a wide variety of applications.[12] In addition, developers can now use their own interface inside of their application rather than only being able to use Apple's interface. Since tvOS is based on iOS, it is easy to port existing iOS apps to the Apple TV with Xcode while making only a few refinements to the app to better suit the larger screen. Apple provides Xcode free of charge to all registered Apple developers.[13] To develop for the new Apple TV, it is necessary to make a parallax image for the application icon. In order to do this, Apple provides a Parallax exporter and previewer in the development tools for the Apple TV.

Version history[edit]

Legend:   Obsolete   Discontinued   Current   Beta

Information about new updates to Apple TV (2nd generation) onwards is published on Apple's knowledge base.[14]

Supported OS releases[edit]

Supported OS releases
OS release Generations
2nd 3rd HD 4K 4K (2nd)
iOS 4 4.1 No No No No
iOS 5 Yes 5.1 No No No
iOS 6 Yes Yes No No No
iOS 7 Yes Yes No No No
iOS 8 No Yes No No No
iOS 9 No No Yes No No
iOS 10 No No Yes No No
iOS 11 No No Yes Yes No
iOS 12 No No Yes Yes No
iOS 13 No No Yes Yes No
iOS 14 No No Yes Yes 14.5
iOS 15 No No Yes Yes Yes

iOS 4[edit]

iOS 4.1 was the first version of iOS available on the Apple TV (2nd generation). It included Apple TV Software 4.0.[14]

Table of versions: iOS 4.x – Apple TV (2nd generation)
iOS Version Apple TV Software Build Release date Features
4.1 4.0 8M89 September 1, 2010; 11 years ago (2010-09-01)
  • Initial release on Apple TV (2nd generation)
4.2 4.1 8C150 (1539) November 22, 2010; 11 years ago (2010-11-22)
4.2.1 4.1.1 8C154 (1553) December 14, 2010; 11 years ago (2010-12-14)

Bug fixes

  • Addresses an issue that causes some high-definition TVs to incorrectly display at 480p.
  • Addresses an issue that may cause a movie or TV show to be re-downloaded.[14]
4.3 4.2 8F191m (2060) March 9, 2011; 11 years ago (2011-03-09)
  • AirPlay video support for third party apps on iDevices.
  • New slideshow themes: View photos with the new Scrapbook, Photo Mobile, and Holiday Mobile slideshow themes.
  • Improved on-screen keyboard: Search and enter names and passwords more easily with the redesigned on-screen keyboard.
  • Enjoy Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound when watching Netflix.
4.2.1 8F202 (2100) March 22, 2011; 11 years ago (2011-03-22)

Bug fixes

  • Addresses issues that may cause the screen to flicker or display incorrect colour on some older TVs.
  • Addresses an issue where Apple TV may not wake up from sleep.
  • Addresses an issue where audio may not be heard on some TV models after switching from another input.
  • Apple TV Software 4.2.1 includes stability and performance fixes for Apple TV.[14]
4.2.2 8F305 (2203) May 11, 2011; 11 years ago (2011-05-11)

Bug fixes

  • Addresses an issue in which audio is not output when playing some video content.
  • Addresses an issue in which video is not displayed when playing some content.
  • Adds an audio output setting for switching to 16-bit audio for compatibility with some TVs and AV receivers.
  • Improves the performance of fast-forwarding and rewinding live events.
  • Addresses an issue in which the description information is not displayed for some movies.
  • Addresses an issue in which YouTube subscription videos are not ordered by date.
4.3 8F455 (2557) August 1, 2011; 10 years ago (2011-08-01)
  • Ability to watch videos from Vimeo.
  • US-only feature: streams purchased TV shows from iTunes on Apple TV (and past purchases); formerly, only rentals were available.

iOS 5[edit]

On October 23, 2011, Apple TV (2nd generation) received the iOS 5.0 software, with My Photo Stream, AirPlay mirroring (from iPhone 4S & iPad 2), NHL, Wall Street Journal, slideshow themes and Netflix subtitles.[14][15] Contrary to rumors and code found in iOS 5, the release did not bring support for Bluetooth or apps to the Apple TV (2nd generation).[16]

Table of versions: iOS 5.x – Apple TV (2nd and 3rd generations)
iOS Version Apple TV Software Build Release date Features
5.0 4.4 9A334v (3140)[17] 2011-10-12
  • Coincides with iOS 5 for portable iOS devices.
  • Photo Stream.
  • AirPlay mirroring for iPad 2 and iPhone 4S.[18]
  • Wall Street Journal.
  • New Slideshow themes.
  • Netflix subtitles.

Upgrading from this version resets the device to factory settings as part of the upgrade process.[19]

4.4.1 9A335a (3150) 2011-10-17

Bug fixes

  • Upgrading from this version resets the device to factory settings as part of the upgrade process.[19]
4.4.2[20] 9A336a (3160)[21] 2011-10-24
  • Audio playback: addresses an issue in which audio is not output when playing some video content.
  • Video playback: addresses an issue in which video is not displayed when playing some content.
  • Audio output setting: adds an audio output setting for switching to 16-bit audio for compatibility with some TVs and AV receivers.
  • Live FF/RW improvements: improves the performance of fast-forwarding and rewinding live events.
  • Movie description: addresses an issue in which the description information is not displayed for some movies.
  • YouTube video order: addresses an issue in which YouTube subscription videos were not ordered by date.
5.0.1 4.4.3 9A405l (3323) 2011-11-17
  • Added support for Netflix in Mexico.
  • Addresses an issue in which audio may not play through the optical port when the TV is turned off.
4.4.4 9A406a (3330) 2011-12-15
  • General performance and stability improvements, including a fix for an issue that displayed an error when playing some video content.
5.1 5.0 9B179b (4099) 2012-03-07
  • Initial release on Apple TV (3rd generation).
  • Support for 1080p video resolution.A3
  • Completely redesigned menus.
    • Content categories now resemble iOS app icons.
    • Third-party apps (Netflix, YouTube, NBA, Flickr, etc.) have their own icon.
  • Ability to create a Netflix account.
5.1.1 5.0.1 9B206f (4224) 2012-05-10
  • Previews for movies and TV shows from the iTunes Store can now be viewed in HD.
  • Fixes an issue that caused some iOS apps to have trouble connecting via AirPlay.
  • Improves the reliability of Home Sharing connections.
  • Addresses an issue affecting Netflix login and navigation.
  • Includes fixes for issues affecting stability and performance.
5.0.2 9B830 (4250) 2012-06-05
  • Addresses an issue which caused content restrictions to be incorrectly applied for the iTunes Store in Australia.

iOS 6[edit]

On September 24, 2012, Apple TV (2nd generation) onwards received the iOS 6.0 software update, with Shared Photo Streams, iTunes account switching, better AirPlay functionality, and Trailers searching, among other smaller improvements.

Table of versions: iOS 6.x – Apple TV (2nd and 3rd generations)
iOS Version Apple TV Software Build Release date Features
6.0 5.1 10A406E (5201) 2012-09-24
  • Shared Photo Streams: Accept invitations for Shared Photo Streams, browse photos and comments, and receive notifications of new content.
  • AirPlay: Send audio content from Apple TV to AirPlay-enabled speakers/devices (including AirPort Express and other Apple TVs). Also includes the ability to require an onscreen code to use AirPlay with Apple TV.
  • iTunes account switching: Save multiple iTunes accounts and switch quickly between them.
  • Trailers: Search for movie trailers. In the United States, see show times for local theaters.
  • Screen savers: New Cascade, Shrinking Tiles, and Sliding Panels screen savers.
  • Main menu: Reorder icons on the second page by holding down the select button on the remote.
  • Subtitles: SDH support for the hearing-impaired; improvements to viewing and selecting subtitles.
  • Network configuration: Support for setting up advanced network options using configuration profiles.
  • Stability and performance: Includes general performance and stability improvements.
6.0.1 5.1.1 10A831 (5433) 2012-11-29
  • Adds support for Up Next with iTunes 11 or iTunes Match.
  • Includes performance and stability improvements with the iTunes Store, AirPlay, Netflix, iTunes Match, and wired ethernet connections.
6.1 5.2 10B144b (6010.96)[22] 2013-01-28
  • Initial release on Apple TV (3rd generation Revision A).
  • Bluetooth keyboards: Adds support for some Bluetooth keyboards (including Apple Wireless Keyboard).[23]
  • iTunes in the Cloud: Browse and play purchased iTunes music directly from iCloud.
  • Airplay: Send stereo audio from video content on Apple TV to AirPlay-enabled speakers/devices (including AirPort Express and other Apple TVs).
  • Stability and performance: Includes general performance and stability improvements.
6.1.3 5.2.1 10B329a (6025) 2013-03-19
  • Hulu Plus app: Completely redesigned, adds support for closed-captioning.[24]
  • iTunes in the Cloud: Adds support for Music in the Cloud in Japan and Israel.[14]
  • Stability and performance: Including improvements for software update, subtitles, and general performance.[14]
  • Security Fixes.[25]
6.1.4 5.3 10B809 (6105) 2013-06-19
  • Third-party content: Adds support for Crunchyroll, ESPN, HBO GO, Qello, and Sky News (some sources depend on country).
  • iTunes Store: Improves reliability of signing into the iTunes Store and playing purchased content.

Further channels added on August 27, 2013, without a software update: Vevo, Weather Channel, Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Smithsonian Channel[26][27][28] (some sources depend on country)[29]

iOS 7[edit]

On September 20, 2013, Apple TV (second generation) onwards received the iOS 7.0 software update, with iTunes Radio and AirPlay from iCloud.

Table of versions: iOS 7.x – Apple TV (2nd and 3rd generations)
iOS version Apple TV Software Build Release date Features
7.0.1 / 7.0.2 6.0 11A470e/11A502 2013-09-23
  • iTunes Radio
    • Create user radio stations and listen to them ad-free with iTunes Match (United States and Australia only).
  • iTunes Store
    • Browse, purchase, and play music directly from the iTunes Store.
  • iCloud Photos
    • Adds support to play video from a shared Photo Stream and view Photo Streams from multiple contributors.
  • AirPlay from iCloud
    • Apple TV will play content from iTunes In The Cloud instead of user AirPlay device when possible (needs iOS 7 on AirPlay device).
  • Podcasts
    • Sync user podcasts and podcast stations across Apple TV and all user iOS devices.
  • iMovie Theater
    • Stream user iMovie creations instantly in high definition from iCloud (needs latest version of iMovie for iOS or Mac and an iCloud account).
  • Subtitles & Captioning
    • Automatic subtitle selection based on Apple TV language setting, with customizable closed caption style.
  • Conference Room Display
    • Lock Apple TV into Conference Room Display (for business and education environments) and show onscreen instructions for using AirPlay.
  • Software update
    • Keep Apple TV always updated by automatically installing software updates when available.
  • Setup
    • Use an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch with iOS 7 to automatically transfer network settings, user Apple ID, and language preferences to Apple TV (3rd generation) (not available on iPhone 4 or iPad 2).

Third-party US-only content added on September 26, 2013, without a software update: Major League Soccer (MLS) and Disney Junior.[30][31]

iMovie Theater app was added on October 22, 2013, without a software update.[32]

7.0.3 6.0.1 11B511d 2013-10-25
  • Stability and performance
    • Includes general performance and stability improvements.[14]
7.0.4 / 7.0.6 6.0.2 11B554a/11B651 2013-11-14
  • Stability and performance
    • Includes general performance and stability improvements.[14]
  • Security (11B651 build only)
    • Provides a fix for SSL connection verification.
7.1 6.1 11D169b March 10, 2014; 8 years ago (2014-03-10)
  • Main menu
    • Includes ability to make hiding channels easier[14]
  • AirPlay
    • Security option for iOS devices or Macs to require verifying via a one-time, onscreen code before using AirPlay (needs iOS 7.1 or later on an iOS device, or OS X 10.9.2 or later on a Mac).[14]
    • Adds support to allow an AirPlay device to discover Apple TV over Bluetooth in environments where multicast or Bonjour traffic is blocked on the network or the AirPlay device is on a different subnet.[14]
  • Remote app
    • View purchased TV Shows and Movies in the Remote app and tap to play them instantly on Apple TV.[14]
    • Create and play iTunes Radio stations (needs Remote app version 4.2 or later).[14]
  • Stability and performance
    • Bug fixes, general performance and stability improvements.[14]
7.1.1 6.1.1 11D201c April 22, 2014; 8 years ago (2014-04-22)
  • Stability and performance
    • Includes general performance and stability improvements.[14]
7.1.2 6.2 11D257c June 30, 2014; 7 years ago (2014-06-30)
  • Stability and performance
    • Includes general performance and stability improvements.[14]
  • iTunes Extras
    • Added ability to explore deleted scenes, photos, cast and crew, and more with select iTunes movie purchases. (Only available for HD purchases)[14]
6.2.1 11D258 September 17, 2014; 7 years ago (2014-09-17)

Final release on Apple TV (2nd generation)

As of May 2015, the YouTube app only works on newer Apple TVs that have software 7.2 or later due to an API change implemented by Google.

  • Stability and performance
    • Includes general performance and stability improvements.[14]

iOS 8[edit]

On September 18, 2014, the third generation Apple TV received the iOS 8.0 software update, with a redesigned UI, Family Sharing and peer-to-peer AirPlay.

Table of versions: iOS 8.x – Apple TV (3rd generation)
iOS Version Apple TV Software Build Release date Features
8.0 7.0 12A365b September 17, 2014; 7 years ago (2014-09-17)
  • UI
    • Redesigned UI that adopts a similar look to the "flat" look that is presented in iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite.
    • UI redesign includes redesigned icons and borders, menus, and many of the controls inside many of the apps that are included with the Apple TV.
  • Family Sharing
    • Adds support for a service of sharing purchases from iTunes between up to 6 people.
    • Supports iTunes music, video, podcasts, and TV show purchases.
    • All group members must pay for family purchases with the same credit/debit card.
    • Ask To Buy – parents can approve a child's spending from the parent's device.
  • Descriptive Video Services
    • Hear descriptive video with a new accessibility feature support select iTunes movies and TV shows.
  • Peer-to-peer AirPlay
    • Guests can AirPlay from their Mac or iOS device directly to an Apple TV without connecting to a wireless network (needs ATV 3 Rev-A (A1469), iPhone 4S and later; iPad 2 and later; and iPod Touch (5th generation) running iOS 8 or a Mac running OS X Yosemite (10.10) or later).A3R
  • Beats Music
    • Beats Music has now been shut down in favor of Apple Music, which requires an Apple TV 4 running tvOS 9.0 or later.
8.1 7.0.1 12B410a October 20, 2014; 7 years ago (2014-10-20)
  • Stability and performance
    • Includes general performance and stability improvements.
  • Bug fixes.
8.1.1 7.0.2 12B435 November 17, 2014; 7 years ago (2014-11-17)
  • Stability and performance
    • Includes general performance and stability improvements.
  • Bug fixes.
8.1.3 7.0.3 12B466 January 27, 2015; 7 years ago (2015-01-27)
  • Stability and performance
    • Includes general performance and stability improvements.
  • Bug fixes.
8.2 7.1 12D508 March 9, 2015; 7 years ago (2015-03-09)
  • Stability and performance
    • Includes general performance and stability improvements.
  • Bug fixes.
8.3 7.2 12F69 April 8, 2015; 7 years ago (2015-04-08)

As of May 2015, the YouTube app only works on Apple TVs that have software 7.2 or later due to an API change implemented by Google.

  • Stability and performance
    • Includes general performance and stability improvements.
  • Bug fixes
Apple TV Software updates released after the release of Apple TV (4th generation)
8.4 7.2.1 12H523 February 25, 2016; 6 years ago (2016-02-25)
  • Stability and performance
    • Includes general performance and stability improvements.
  • Bug fixes
8.4.1 7.2.2 12H606 December 12, 2016; 5 years ago (2016-12-12)
  • Stability and performance
    • Includes general performance and stability improvements.
  • Bug fixes

Amazon Video was automatically added to Apple TVs running 7.2.2 on December 6, 2017.[33]

8.4.2[citation needed] 7.3 12H847[34] May 13, 2019; 3 years ago (2019-05-13) Apple TV Software 7.3 brings the updated TV app to provide support for Apple TV+ services.
7.3.1 12H864[35] July 22, 2019; 2 years ago (2019-07-22) Bug fixes and stability improvements
8.4.3[citation needed] 7.4 12H876[36] September 24, 2019; 2 years ago (2019-09-24) Bug fixes and stability improvements
8.4.4[citation needed] 7.5[37] 12H885[citation needed] March 24, 2020; 2 years ago (2020-03-24) Adds the ability to control the Apple TV from the control center of an iOS device, bug fixes and stability improvements.
8.4.5[citation needed] 7.6 12H903[citation needed] September 16, 2020; 20 months ago (2020-09-16) Bug fixes and stability improvements
8.4.6[citation needed] 7.6.2 12H914[citation needed] December 14, 2020; 17 months ago (2020-12-14) Bug fixes and stability improvements
7.7 12H923[citation needed] April 26, 2021; 13 months ago (2021-04-26) Bug fixes and stability improvements
7.8 12H937[citation needed] September 20, 2021; 8 months ago (2021-09-20) Bug fixes and stability improvements
7.9 12H1006 March 14, 2022; 2 months ago (2022-03-14) Listed as security update without published CVE entries

tvOS 9[edit]

tvOS 9 is an operating system that is 95%[citation needed] based on iOS 9, with adaptations made for a television interface. It was announced on September 9, 2015, alongside the new iPad Pro and iPhone 6S. Tim Cook introduced tvOS, saying that it was time for the Apple TV to gain a modern OS with support for apps, as they are "the future of TV". It will only be available on the Apple TV (4th generation), released in October 2015. It adds a native SDK to develop apps, an App Store to distribute them, support for Siri, and universal search across multiple apps.

Table of versions: tvOS 9.x – Apple TV (4th generation)
tvOS version iOS version based on Build Release date Features
9.0 9.0 13T396 October 29, 2015; 6 years ago (2015-10-29)

Initial release on Apple TV (4th generation).

  • User Interface
    • Introduces a new user interface that uses lighter colors and transparency, adds support for control via an all new remote. This remote can be used to navigate the user interface by using multi-touch gestures on the trackpad on the remote rather than physical buttons.
  • App Store/SDK
    • Adds support for an all new SDK for developers to build apps for the TV including all of the APIs included in iOS 9 such as Metal.
    • Adds an App Store which allows users to browse, download, and install a wide variety of applications from things such as games, video applications, etc.
    • Developers can now use their own interface inside of their application rather than only being able to use Apple's interface.
  • Siri
    • Adds support for Siri which can be toggled by pressing the microphone button on the remote.
    • Siri, beyond all of its iOS abilities, can take many voice commands tailored for the TV, such as a cross-application search for a movie/TV show, rewind, fast forward, name and actor/director of the current movie, and even skip back 15 seconds.
  • Experience
    • It is now possible to switch between two applications by double-clicking the trackpad on the remote and scrolling to the desired application.
    • Users can now customize the home screen by placing any applications they wish on the top row, including third-party types.
    • New cinematic screen savers display time-lapse images of scenic cities when the Apple TV is asleep.
    • It is now possible to control the volume of the TV and turn it on/off using just the new Siri Remote and the built in support for HDMI CEC in TVOS.
  • Third-Party Controllers
    • Adds support for pairing third-party Bluetooth game controllers in order to play games.
  • Apple Music
    • Adds Apple Music support for Apple TV.
9.0.1 9.1 13T402 November 9, 2015; 6 years ago (2015-11-09)
  • General performance and stability improvements.
9.1 9.2 13U85 December 8, 2015; 6 years ago (2015-12-08)
  • Adds support for controlling Apple Music with Siri.
  • Adds support for controlling the Apple TV with the Remote app for iOS and Apple Watch.
  • Improvements to networking and scrolling.
9.1.1 9.2.1 13U717 January 25, 2016; 6 years ago (2016-01-25)
  • General performance and stability improvements
  • Adds the Podcasts app to the Apple TV
9.2 9.3 13Y234 March 21, 2016; 6 years ago (2016-03-21)
  • Adds support for folders on the Apple TV.
    • A folder can be made by selecting an app, clicking and holding on the touchpad, clicking the Play/Pause button, and then choosing "New Folder" from the popup menu.
  • Adds the ability to pair Bluetooth keyboards with the 4th Generation Apple TV
  • Adds a redesigned application switcher similar to the one found in iOS 9 rather than the one found in iOS 8 as TVOS 9.1 contained.
  • Adds support for iCloud Photo Library and Live Photos
  • Enables developers to add maps to their applications with the use of the MapKit API.
  • Siri/Voice Dictation
    • Adds support for Voice Dictation to enable users to enter text in text fields using their voice. Voice Dictation can be invoked by selecting the text field and pressing the Siri button on the Siri Remote.
    • Adds Support for searching the App Store on the Apple TV using Siri.
    • Adds support for new Siri languages which include Spanish(United States), French(Canada), and English(United Kingdom and Australia).
  • Remote operability improvements
    • In order to rewind/fast forward the video in tvOS 9.2, it is now necessary to click the touchpad before swiping left or right.[38]
    • Updates the remote firmware which includes improved motion sensor performance and support for additional sound bar and receiver hardware.[39]
  • Enhancements to speed and performance.
9.2.1 9.3.2 13Y772 May 16, 2016; 6 years ago (2016-05-16)
  • General performance and stability improvements.
9.2.2 9.3.3 13Y825 July 18, 2016; 5 years ago (2016-07-18) Final update for tvOS 9.
  • General performance and stability improvements.
  • Bug fixes.

tvOS 10[edit]

Table of versions: tvOS 10.x – Apple TV (4th generation)
tvOS version iOS version based on Build Release date Features

10.0

10.0 14T330 September 13, 2016; 5 years ago (2016-09-13)
  • User Interface
    • Adds the option for users to select between a light mode or a new dark mode.[40]
    • Adds support for app notification badge icons on the tvOS home screen.
  • Siri
    • Support for searching YouTube for content using Siri.
    • Support for searching for content by topic.
  • Photos
    • Adds support for the new Photos app available in iOS 10 which adds a new feature called Memories
  • Music
    • Update the UI of Apple Music to match the UI of Apple Music on iOS 10 and macOS Sierra.
  • Control
    • When users start typing on the Apple TV using the Siri Remote, their iPhone on iOS 10 or later gives them a lockscreen notification that allows for text entry, even without the remote app installed on the iOS device.
    • No longer requires developers to provide support for the Siri Remote in games. A game can now make a third-party MFI controller required for gameplay.
  • HomeKit
    • Allows the control of HomeKit accessories from the Apple TV.
  • Developer Tools
    • Adds many new APIs that developers can take advantage of on tvOS such as ReplayKit, SpriteKit, SceneKit, and more.

10.0.1

10.1 14U71
14U100 		October 24, 2016; 5 years ago (2016-10-24)
November 14, 2016; 5 years ago (2016-11-14) (14U100)
  • General performance and stability improvements.
  • Bug fixes.

10.1

10.2 14U593 December 12, 2016; 5 years ago (2016-12-12)
  • General performance and stability improvements.
  • New "TV" app
  • Added "Single Sign-On"

10.1.1

10.2.1 14U712a January 23, 2017; 5 years ago (2017-01-23)
  • General performance and stability improvements.

10.2

10.3 14W265 March 27, 2017; 5 years ago (2017-03-27)
  • Adds support for Apple File System (APFS)
  • General performance and stability improvements

10.2.1

10.3.2 14W585a May 15, 2017; 5 years ago (2017-05-15)

Security and Bug Fixes

10.2.2

10.3.3 14W756 July 19, 2017; 4 years ago (2017-07-19)

Final update for tvOS 10. There is no 10.2.3 update.

Security and Bug Fixes

tvOS 11[edit]

Table of versions: tvOS 11.x – Apple TV (4th and 5th generations)
tvOS version iOS version based on Build Release date Features
11.0 11.0 15J381 September 19, 2017; 4 years ago (2017-09-19)
  • Initial release on Apple TV 4K (5th generation).
  • Control
    • Adds option to reprogram the TV button on Siri remote to open the TV app or to return to the home screen.
    • Adds support for controlling via Control Center from devices running iOS 11.
  • Experience
    • Apple AirPods automatically connect when paired with a device signed in with the same iCloud account.
    • Option for automatic switching between light and dark mode based on time of day.
    • Adds Home Screen Sync option that synchronizes apps and home screens across Apple TVs signed in with the same iCloud account.
    • Double tapping Siri remote will zoom in on pillarboxed or letterboxed video to fill frame.
    • Tapping timeline a second time will switch to a time-of-day display.
  • Developer tools
    • Increases maximum On-Demand Resource bundle size to 4 GB from 200 MB.
    • Adds support for HEVC and HEIF, hardware decoding on Apple TV 4K and software decoding on Apple TV (4th generation).
11.1 11.1 15J582 October 31, 2017; 4 years ago (2017-10-31) Includes bug fixes and security improvements
11.2 11.2 15K106 December 4, 2017; 4 years ago (2017-12-04) The update includes support for switching the Apple TV 4K display output to SDR for apps that are GPU-bound when running in HDR and it re-introduces the Unwatched category in Home Sharing for Movies, TV Shows, and Home Videos.
11.2.1 11.2.1 15K152 December 13, 2017; 4 years ago (2017-12-13) Includes bug fixes and security improvements
11.2.5 11.2.5 15K552 January 23, 2018; 4 years ago (2018-01-23) Includes bug fixes and security improvements
11.2.6 11.2.6 15K600 February 19, 2018; 4 years ago (2018-02-19) Includes bug fixes and security improvements
11.3 11.3 15L211 March 29, 2018; 4 years ago (2018-03-29) tvOS 11.3 beta provides Dolby Vision support for certain Sony 2017 4K HDR televisions with the X1 Extreme processor.
11.4 11.4 15L577 May 29, 2018; 4 years ago (2018-05-29) AirPlay 2
  • Listen to your favorite songs across every Apple TV, HomePod, and AirPlay 2-compatible speaker you have in your home. Or play something different in every room at the same time.
11.4.1 11.4.1 15M73 July 9, 2018; 3 years ago (2018-07-09) Final update for tvOS 11.

Bug fixes and improvements

tvOS 12[edit]

Table of versions: tvOS 12.x – Apple TV (4th and 5th generations)
tvOS version iOS version based on Build Release date Features
12.0 12.0 16J364 September 17, 2018; 3 years ago (2018-09-17)
  • Audio
  • Experience
    • Adds support for Zero Sign-On automatic television app authentication with supported cable providers.
    • Adds password AutoFill from iPhones and iPads running iOS 12 or newer.
    • Adds new aerial screensavers.
  • Developer tools
    • Adds support for home control systems that include Control4, Crestron, and Savant.
    • Adds support for third-party remotes including Siri support.
12.0.1 12.0 16J380 September 24, 2018; 3 years ago (2018-09-24) Bug fixes and improvements
12.1 12.1 16J602 October 30, 2018; 3 years ago (2018-10-30) Bug fixes and improvements
12.1.1 12.1.1 16K45 December 5, 2018; 3 years ago (2018-12-05) Bug fixes and improvements
12.1.2 12.1.3 16K534 January 22, 2019; 3 years ago (2019-01-22) Bug fixes and improvements
12.2 12.2 16L226 March 25, 2019; 3 years ago (2019-03-25) Siri and Apple TV Remote improvements
12.2.1 12.2 16L250 April 10, 2019; 3 years ago (2019-04-10) Bug fixes and improvements
12.3 12.3 16M153 May 13, 2019; 3 years ago (2019-05-13)
  • Adds redesigned TV app
  • GUI changes in video player
12.4 12.4 16M568 July 22, 2019; 2 years ago (2019-07-22) Bug fixes and improvements
12.4.1 12.4.1 16M600 August 26, 2019; 2 years ago (2019-08-26) Final update for tvOS 12.

Security fixes

tvOS 13[edit]

Table of versions: tvOS 13.x – Apple TV (4th and 5th generations)
tvOS version iOS version based on Build Release date Features
13.0 13.1 17J586 September 24, 2019; 2 years ago (2019-09-24)
13.2 13.2 17K82 October 28, 2019; 2 years ago (2019-10-28)
13.3 13.3 17K449 December 10, 2019; 2 years ago (2019-12-10)
13.3.1 13.3.1 17K795 January 28, 2020; 2 years ago (2020-01-28)
13.4 13.4 17L256 March 24, 2020; 2 years ago (2020-03-24)
13.4.5 13.5 17L562 May 20, 2020; 2 years ago (2020-05-20)
13.4.6 13.5.1 17L570 June 1, 2020; 2 years ago (2020-06-01)
13.4.8 13.6 17M61 July 15, 2020; 22 months ago (2020-07-15) Final update for tvOS 13.

tvOS 14[edit]

Table of versions: tvOS 14.x – Apple TV (4th, 5th and 6th generations)
tvOS version iOS version based on Build Release date Features
14.0 14.0 18J386 September 16, 2020; 20 months ago (2020-09-16)
  • Experience:
    • Changes shape of app icons with more rounded corners and reduced size.
    • Adds picture-in-picture to third-party apps.
    • Adds Audio Sharing for simultaneously connecting two sets of AirPods on Apple TV 4K.
    • Supports full-resolution AirPlay for 4K videos and photos on Apple TV 4K.
    • Redesigned Control Center.
    • Support for Microsoft Elite 2 and Adaptive Xbox One controllers.
  • HomeKit:
    • Adds camera feeds and picture-in-picture monitoring for HomeKit-enabled security cameras.[44]
    • Adds direct control of HomeKit accessories in Control Center.
  • Developer:
    • Support for 4K YouTube videos on Apple TV 4K, supporting "the latest YouTube videos", reportedly through VP9 support.[45][46]
14.0.1 14.0.1 18J400 September 24, 2020; 20 months ago (2020-09-24)
  • This update includes general performance and stability improvements.
14.0.2 18J411 October 5, 2020; 19 months ago (2020-10-05)
  • This update includes general performance and stability improvements.
14.2 14.2 18K57 November 5, 2020; 18 months ago (2020-11-05)
14.3 14.3 18K561 December 14, 2020; 17 months ago (2020-12-14)
14.4 14.4 18K802 January 26, 2021; 16 months ago (2021-01-26)
14.5 14.5 18L204 April 26, 2021; 13 months ago (2021-04-26)
  • Initial release on Apple TV 4K (2nd generation).
  • Adds support for Siri Remote (second generation).
14.6 14.6 18L569 May 24, 2021; 12 months ago (2021-05-24)
14.7 14.7 18M60 July 19, 2021; 10 months ago (2021-07-19)

tvOS 15[edit]

Table of versions: tvOS 15.x – Apple TV (4th, 5th and 6th generations)
tvOS version iOS version based on Build Release date Features
15.0 15.0 19J346 September 20, 2021; 8 months ago (2021-09-20)
  • Adds support for controlling Apple TV with a HomePod or HomePod Mini.
  • Adds "Shared with You" row in TV app for movies and TV shows shared in Messages.
  • Redesigned video player interface.[47]
  • Audio:
  • HomeKit:
    • Adds notifications from security devices.
    • Add support for viewing multiple HomeKit cameras simultaneously.
  • Developer:
    • Enables authenticating purchases and signing into apps using Touch ID or Face ID on a paired iPhone or iPad.[48]
15.1 15.1 19J572 October 25, 2021; 7 months ago (2021-10-25)
15.1.1 15.1 19J581 November 1, 2021; 7 months ago (2021-11-01)
15.2 15.2 19K53 December 13, 2021; 5 months ago (2021-12-13)
15.3 15.3 19K547 January 26, 2022; 4 months ago (2022-01-26)
  • Resolves several security vulnerabilities.
15.4 15.4 19L440 March 14, 2022; 2 months ago (2022-03-14)
15.4.1 15.4.1 19L452 March 31, 2022; 2 months ago (2022-03-31)
15.5 15.5 19L570 May 16, 2022; 18 days ago (2022-05-16)
15.5.1 19L580 May 25, 2022; 9 days ago (2022-05-25)
15.6 beta 2 15.6 beta 2 19M5037c May 31, 2022; 3 days ago (2022-05-31)

See also[edit]

Other operating systems developed by Apple Inc.

References[edit]

  1. ^ Clover, Juli (May 25, 2022). "Apple Releases tvOS 15.5.1 for Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K". MacRumors. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  2. ^ "tvOS 15.5.1 (19L580) - Releases - Apple Developer". Apple Inc. May 25, 2022. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  3. ^ Clover, Juli (May 31, 2022). "Apple Seeds Second Betas of iOS 15.6 and iPadOS 15.6 to Developers". MacRumors. Retrieved May 31, 2022. Apple has also seeded new betas of tvOS 15.6, watchOS 8.7, and HomePod 15.6 software for testing purposes.
  4. ^ "tvOS 15.6 beta 2 (19M5037c) - Releases - Apple Developer". Apple Inc. May 31, 2022. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  5. ^ Welch, Chris. "New Apple TV announced with Siri and App Store, coming in October for $149". The Verge. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
  6. ^ "Mega-Apple update day brings upgrades to OS X, iOS, WatchOS, and tvOS". Retrieved December 9, 2015.
  7. ^ "Your new Apple TV finally works with the Remote app". Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  8. ^ "Facebook Announces tvOS SDK With Login Support". Retrieved December 9, 2015.
  9. ^ "Introducing Digits for tvOS". Digits Blog. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  10. ^ "How-To: Prepare for the Apple TV 4 jailbreak". 9to5Mac. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
  11. ^ Summerbell, D. "Apple announces tvOS 15 which introduces SharePlay for Apple TV". WavBand Tech. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  12. ^ "Hands On: Apple TV 2015 with tvOS apps, Remote featuring touch, motion & Siri". AppleInsider. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  13. ^ "Xcode". Apple Developer. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s "About Apple TV (2nd and 3rd generation) software updates". Apple Inc. October 9, 2015. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  15. ^ "Apple TV 4.4 (3140 9A334v) update adds Photo Stream, NHL, and more". www.macworld.com. October 12, 2011. Retrieved October 12, 2011.
  16. ^ "Apple TV to gain Bluetooth keyboard support in iOS 5". www.9to5mac.com. July 12, 2011. Retrieved October 13, 2011.
  17. ^ "Talk:Firmware Keys/2011". www.theiphonewiki.com. October 13, 2011. Retrieved February 19, 2017.
  18. ^ "Apple – iOS 5 – See new features included in iOS 5". Archived from the original on September 23, 2011.
  19. ^ a b "Apple TV (2nd generation): Upgrading from Apple TV software version 4.4 or 4.4.1". Support.apple.com. October 24, 2011. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
  20. ^ "Apple TV 4.4.2 (9A336a) Update Now Available For Download". Redmondpie.com. October 25, 2011. Retrieved October 29, 2011.
  21. ^ "Talk:Firmware Keys/2011". TheiPhoneWiki.com. October 24, 2011. Retrieved October 24, 2011.
  22. ^ Hollington, Jesse (January 30, 2013). "Instant Expert: Secrets & Features of Apple TV 5.2". iLounge.com. Retrieved February 24, 2013.
  23. ^ "Apple TV: Using the Apple Wireless Keyboard". Apple. February 7, 2013. Retrieved February 24, 2013.
  24. ^ Caldwell, Serenity (March 19, 2013). "Apple TV 5.2.1 brings redesigned Hulu Plus app, security fixes". Macworld. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  25. ^ "About the security content of Apple TV 5.2.1". Apple. March 19, 2013. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  26. ^ Slivka, Eric (August 27, 2013). "Apple TV Adds Apps for Vevo, Weather Channel, Disney, and Smithsonian Channel". MacRumors. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  27. ^ Apple Insider staff (August 27, 2013). "Apple TV update adds channels for Vevo, Disney, Weather & Smithsonian". AppleInsider. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  28. ^ Gurman, Mark (August 27, 2013). "Apple TV updated with Vevo, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Weather Channel, Smithsonian apps". 9to5mac. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  29. ^ Keller, Joseph (August 27, 2013). "Apple TV adds even more channels, including Disney, Weather, Smithsonian". iMore. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  30. ^ Slivka, Eric (September 26, 2013). "Apple Adds Major League Soccer and Disney Junior Channels to Apple TV". MacRumors. Retrieved September 27, 2013.
  31. ^ Welch, Chris (September 26, 2013). "Apple adds Major League Soccer and Disney Junior channels to Apple TV". The Verge. Retrieved September 27, 2013.
  32. ^ Clover, Juli (October 22, 2013). "Apple Adds iMovie Theater Channel to Apple TV". MacRumors. Retrieved October 25, 2013.
  33. ^ "Amazon Prime Video app rolling out to Apple TV App Store". 9to5Mac. December 6, 2017. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  34. ^ "Apple TV Software 7.3 (12H847) – Releases – Apple Developer". May 13, 2019.
  35. ^ "Apple TV Software 7.3.1 (12H864) – Releases – Apple Developer". July 22, 2019.
  36. ^ "Apple TV Software 7.4 (12H876) – Releases – Apple Developer". September 24, 2019.
  37. ^ Filipe Espósito (March 24, 2020). "tvOS 13.4 and TV Software 7.5 updates for Apple TV now available". For users of the third-generation Apple TV, Apple has also released the Apple TV Software 7.5 with general improvements, since this model has access to the Apple TV App and Apple TV+.
  38. ^ Hall, Zac (February 23, 2016). "tvOS 9.2 solves major user experience issue with Siri Remote for Apple TV". Retrieved February 19, 2017.
  39. ^ Clover, Juli (February 22, 2016). "Apple Seeds Fourth Beta of tvOS 9.2 to Developers". Retrieved February 19, 2017.
  40. ^ "tvOS Preview". Apple Inc. Archived from the original on July 10, 2016.
  41. ^ Apple TV Adds Dolby Atmos to 200 Movies. HD Report. October 7, 2018
  42. ^ "tvOS 13 powers the most personal cinematic experience ever" (Press release). Apple. June 3, 2019.
  43. ^ "Apple is adding picture-in-picture mode to the Apple TV". The Verge. June 18, 2019.
  44. ^ Gartenberg, Chaim (June 22, 2020). "Apple updates tvOS with Home support and picture-in-picture". The Verge. Retrieved June 23, 2020.
  45. ^ Welch, Chris (June 22, 2020). "Apple TV 4K will at last play YouTube in 4K with tvOS 14 update". The Verge. Retrieved June 23, 2020.
  46. ^ "iPhones, iPads can now stream 4K YouTube videos in iOS 14". AppleInsider. Retrieved June 23, 2020.
  47. ^ Hall, Zac (July 2, 2021). "tvOS 15 introduces redesigned video player for Apple TV app". 9to5Mac. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
  48. ^ "With tvOS 15, You Can Sign Into Apps Using Face ID or Touch ID on Your iPhone". MacRumors. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  49. ^ "Apple Releases tvOS 15.4 With Support for Captive WiFi Networks". MacRumors. Retrieved March 15, 2022.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=TvOS&oldid=1090842308"