TvOS

tvOS is an operating system made by Apple for the Apple TV, a digital media player. It was first called Apple TV Software and was used on the first Apple TV, which was based on Mac OS X. Later versions of Apple TV use an operating system based on iOS and share many of the same features and ideas.

The second- and third-generation Apple TVs came with some built-in apps but could not run apps made by other companies. On September 9, 2015, Apple announced the fourth-generation Apple TV and changed the name of the operating system to tvOS. This matched the naming style Apple used for iOS, watchOS, and later macOS, using camel case nomenclature.

The most recent version, tvOS 26, was released on September 15, 2025. This update brought new features and improvements to the Apple TV experience.

History

On October 30, 2015, the fourth-generation Apple TV became available with tvOS 9.0. A small update, tvOS 9.0.1, followed on November 9, 2015, to fix minor issues.

Later updates brought new features. For example, tvOS 10, released in September 2016, improved the search tool and added a dark mode. Over the years, tvOS continued to grow, adding support for better sound, new ways to control the Apple TV, and even the ability to play games using controllers from Nintendo Switch. Each new version of tvOS came out along with updates for iOS and iPadOS, keeping all Apple devices up to date.

Features

tvOS 9 brought exciting updates for the fourth-generation Apple TV. Users could now navigate the interface using multi-touch gestures on the new touchpad remote, thanks to multi-touch gestures. A new App Store let people download fun apps and games made just for Apple TV. tvOS 9 also introduced Siri, which could help find movies, rewind or fast forward shows, and share details about what’s playing.

The system made it easier to switch between apps and offered more ways to customize the experience. Beautiful cinematic screensavers added a nice touch, and the Siri Remote could control the TV with support for HDMI-CEC. Users had many options to control their Apple TV, like using the Siri Remote, connecting a third-party universal remote, pairing an MFi Gamepad for games, using the Remote app on iOS, or connecting a Bluetooth keyboard for easier typing.

Accessibility

tvOS includes many helpful features for users, just like those found in iOS and macOS. These features include VoiceOver, Zoom, and Siri, which are especially useful for people who are blind or have low vision. VoiceOver reads out what is happening on the screen and helps users navigate using simple gestures.

The system also offers ways to make the screen easier to see, such as increasing contrast and simplifying movements. It supports audio descriptions for movies, shown with an AD icon, and includes closed captioning for videos, marked with CC or SDH icons. Users can also connect Bluetooth keyboards, and the Siri Remote can be adjusted for touch sensitivity or used with just buttons. The Apple Remote app on iOS devices can also control Apple TV, including support for Switch Control for users with motor impairments.

Development

tvOS 9 came with new tools for developers, helping them create apps for TV. It included a new way for users to find and download apps, called the tvOS App Store. Developers could also design their own app interfaces, instead of just using Apple's design. Because tvOS is related to iOS, it's easier to adapt iOS apps for the Apple TV using Xcode, a tool Apple offers for free. Developers needed to make special images for app icons using tools Apple provided.

Version history

Information about software updates for Apple TV (2nd generation) onwards is published on Apple's support website.

Apple TV had several versions of its software. The first version, Apple TV Software 1.0, looked similar to a program called Front Row and had seven options for watching movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, photos, settings, and sources. It was based on Mac OS X.

Later versions changed the way content was shown. For example, version 2.0 removed Front Row and showed content in six categories like movies, TV shows, music, YouTube, podcasts, and photos. It also allowed updates without needing a computer.

As time went on, more updates came. Version 3.0 added new features like content filtering and a new Internet radio app. Version 4, based on iOS, ended support for the first Apple TV model and added features like AirPlay mirroring and Netflix subtitles.

Later updates like tvOS 9 introduced support for apps and an App Store, making it easier to find and watch different types of content. Each update brought new ways to enjoy movies, shows, and other content on the Apple TV.

Supported tvOS versions on Apple TV

Model	Apple TV Software							tvOS
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	26
Apple TV (1st)
Apple TV (2nd)	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a
Apple TV (3rd)	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a
Apple TV HD	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a
Apple TV 4K (1st)	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a
Apple TV 4K (2nd)	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	14.5
Apple TV 4K (3rd)	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	—N/a	16.1