tvOS 26 is the next big update coming to Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD. But while the update isn’t officially dropping support for any older Apple TV hardware, two of the biggest new features will have limited availability, requiring newer models.
Two tentpole features of tvOS 26 are limited to newer hardware
This fall, tvOS 26 will debut as a brand new software update with a variety of changes for Apple TV users.
But depending on your Apple TV model, you might find very little different after updating.
That’s because two key features—the Liquid Glass design and iPhone karaoke support—will only be available on certain Apple TV hardware.
Per Apple’s press release for tvOS 26, here are the hardware requirements for these two upgrades:
Liquid Glass design
- Available on Apple TV 4K (2nd generation and later)
iPhone karaoke mode
- Available on Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)
This means that the Liquid Glass design won’t be coming to the Apple TV HD from 2015, nor the first-gen Apple TV 4K that launched in 2017.
Only users who purchased the 2021 second-gen model or later will get the fresh design.
And if you got excited about the new Apple Music Sing feature that turns your iPhone into a microphone, that will be exclusive to only the latest generation Apple TV 4K released in 2022.
Not sure which Apple TV model you’re currently using? Apple offers a detailed guide here to help you find out.
If you’re in the market for an upgrade, just know that a new Apple TV 4K model is expected to launch later this year. So you might want to hold off on a purchase if you can.
Are you weighing an Apple TV 4K upgrade for the sake of these tvOS 26 features? Let us know in the comments.
Best Apple TV 4K accessories
- AirPods Pro 2 (now only $169, down from $249)
- Anti-slip silicone case for Siri Remote, AirTag compatible
- TotalMount for mounting Apple TV
- iPhone Continuity Camera mount for Apple TV
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