Alongside updates to iOS, iPadOS and watchOS, Apple has also released the latest version of tvOS. The main change this time is a redesign of the core Apple TV app.
You’ll now see a sidebar that combines content from Apple’s own services (such as Apple TV+, MLS Season Pass and a store where users can buy and rent popular movies) with access to third-party channels and apps such as Disney+ and Max. It seems that Apple is looking to improve navigation and discoverability without straying too far from the industry-standard tile browsing format on the home page.
On living room devices (i.e. Apple TV hardware and the app of the same name on smart TVs and other devices), the sidebar will include profiles. Apple says this will allow you to quickly switch between users for more personalised recommendations throughout the app and in the Up Next section. Meanwhile, Watch Now has been renamed Home.
The Store tab of the Apple TV app is where you’ll want to go to buy or rent movies and TV shows. Starting today, the iTunes Movies and TV Shows apps on Apple TV 4K and HD devices will redirect users to the Store tab of the Apple TV app to find and manage their purchases. The same goes for the iTunes Store app on iPhone and iPad.
Meanwhile, it’s now possible to answer FaceTime calls directly from Apple TV 4K. Apple has also added support for FaceTime audio calls.
