Apple released tvOS 26 on September 15, 2025, alongside updates to all of its major software platforms. This latest update for Apple TV brings significant visual changes and enhanced user experience features that align the Apple TV more closely with Apple’s broader ecosystem design language.
Stunning New Liquid Glass Design
The headline feature of tvOS 26 is the introduction of the Liquid Glass design system. This represents a major visual overhaul that brings a more modern, cohesive look to the Apple TV interface. The Liquid Glass design creates a stunning visual experience that aligns tvOS with Apple’s other operating systems, providing users with a consistent aesthetic across all their Apple devices.
However, it’s important to note that while tvOS 26 is compatible with older Apple TV models, the Liquid Glass feature requires specific hardware. According to the compatibility information, Liquid Glass requires the second-generation Apple TV 4K or later (source: MacRumors). Users with older models will still receive other tvOS 26 features but won’t experience the new visual design.
Enhanced User Account Management
tvOS 26 introduces a significant improvement to multi-user households with a new automatic user account switcher. The system now automatically shows a user account switcher UI every time the Apple TV wakes from sleep (source: 9to5Mac). This feature makes it much easier for families and shared living situations to quickly switch between different user profiles, ensuring personalized recommendations and viewing histories remain separate and accessible.
Device Compatibility
Apple has maintained broad compatibility with tvOS 26. The update is compatible with the original Apple TV HD from 2015 as well as all Apple TV 4K models (source: MacRumors). This means:
- Apple TV HD (2015 and later): Compatible with tvOS 26 but without Liquid Glass
- Apple TV 4K (1st generation, 2017): Compatible with tvOS 26 but without Liquid Glass
- Apple TV 4K (2nd generation, 2021 and later): Full tvOS 26 compatibility including Liquid Glass
How to Update to tvOS 26
Users can get tvOS 26 in several ways:
- Automatic Updates: If you have automatic updates enabled, your Apple TV will download and install tvOS 26 automatically
- Manual Update: Go to Settings > System > Software Updates on your Apple TV to manually check for and install the update
- Fresh Installation: New Apple TV devices will come with tvOS 26 pre-installed
Part of Apple’s Unified Software Release
tvOS 26 was released as part of Apple’s coordinated software update across all platforms on September 15, 2025. Apple released exciting new features and capabilities across each of its software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS (source: Apple Newsroom). This unified approach ensures a consistent user experience across the entire Apple ecosystem.
Additional Features and Improvements
While the Liquid Glass design and enhanced user switching are the most prominent new features, tvOS 26 likely includes various under-the-hood improvements, security updates, and performance enhancements that Apple typically includes in major software updates. The redesigned tvOS 26 looks super clean and offers slick new features (source: Tom’s Guide).
Should You Update?
tvOS 26 represents a significant visual and functional upgrade for Apple TV users. The Liquid Glass design brings a fresh, modern look that aligns with Apple’s current design philosophy, while the automatic user account switcher addresses a practical need for multi-user households. Given Apple’s track record with software updates and the broad device compatibility, most users should find tvOS 26 to be a worthwhile upgrade that enhances their Apple TV experience.
The update is free for all compatible devices and maintains Apple’s commitment to supporting older hardware while introducing cutting-edge features for newer devices.
