Apple announced a set of improvements for tvOS 18, the next version of its Apple TV 4K operating system, in WWDC 2024 (you can see all the information as we learn it in our WWDC 2024 Live Blog). The new features are available to Apple developers in a beta version of tvOS 18 today and will be released in an official version later this fall.
The announcements started with InSight for the Apple TV app. Similar to Amazon Prime Video's X-Ray feature, it displays on-screen information about characters, actors, and even background music tracks for Apple TV Plus movies and shows. The data can be accessed in real time and is also available when using an iPhone as a remote control to control Apple TV 4K.
The Apple TV 4K Enhance Dialogue feature is getting an AI-powered boost in tvOS 18 to improve the clarity of voices over background noise and music when watching movies and TV shows. According to Apple, Enhance Dialogue can now be used with a TV's built-in speakers, HomePod or HDMI-connected speakers, AirPods, and other Bluetooth devices.
Subtitles are also getting an overhaul in tvOS 18, and on-screen text now appears automatically when you mute the volume or scan back while watching shows. Subtitles will also be generated when the language does not match the language selected for the device, so viewers never have to worry about missing a line of dialogue.
The best 4K projectors can be used to display images in the ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio, and the new tvOS 18 updates will bring 21:9 support to Apple TV 4K. This will allow images to be displayed on screens with a 21:9 aspect ratio without horizontal black bars at the top or bottom, like in a movie theater.
Screensavers, FaceTime and Apple Fitness Plus
Other improvements coming in tvOS 18 will make Apple TV 4K more fun to watch when in screen saver mode and will make FaceTime calls more accessible.
Screen saver options now include a Portrait mode that uses photos from your library that can be customized with text, color, and graphics. This will be accompanied by a TV and Movies option with select scenes from Apple TV Plus content, as well as a Snoopy and Woodstock animation to Misery fans.
FaceTime calls on tvOS 18 can be made on the big screen with automatically generated live subtitles in English when making FaceTime calls. The feature, which is only available in the US and Canada, will improve the accessibility of Apple TV 4K by allowing users to read and listen to conversations.
Lastly, the Apple Fitness Plus app gets a redesign in tvOS 18, with new features added that provide a personalized space for you, improved rewards, and expanded search functions.
Apple has not yet specified which Apple TV devices will receive these updates, although it is safe to assume that the latest Apple TV 4K (2022) will benefit.
