Apple continues to demonstrate its innovation prowess, introducing features you never knew you needed but quickly realize are indispensable. This fall, Apple TV will receive a subtle yet clever update to the mute button functionality, along with a host of other enhancements in the upcoming tvOS 18 software release.
Among the new features, Enhance Dialogue stands out, especially for those who struggle with hearing dialogue over background noise. This feature, which already exists, will be significantly upgraded thanks to machine learning. The updated Enhance Dialogue will work not only with HomePods but also with AirPods, HDMI-connected speakers, and Bluetooth speakers. Users will have four settings to choose from: off, enhance, boost, and isolate.
Another major improvement is the support for full widescreen playback at a 21:9 aspect ratio, a first for Apple TV. This update is complemented by the addition of Live Captions for FaceTime, previously available only on iPhones, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
Apple TV users can also look forward to more seamless integration with their iPhones. With tvOS 18, users can set a specific iPhone as a dedicated Apple TV camera for apps like FaceTime, ensuring it’s always ready for use. Additionally, the new InSight feature will display details about actors and songs within a show, similar to Amazon Prime Video’s X-Ray feature. Other updates include a redesigned Fitness+ app and new screensavers.
Excitingly, recent leaks suggest Apple is working on a new home accessory that will sit alongside the HomePod and Apple TV. Identified in Apple’s backend code as “HomeAccessory17,1,” this device could potentially include the same processor as the upcoming iPhone 16, the A18 chip, indicating it might support advanced AI features. This has fueled speculation about a hybrid Apple TV with a display, expected to debut alongside the iPhone 16 series in September.
Apple’s history of innovation with Apple TV continues with a brilliant update to the mute button. When users mute video playback, either on the iPhone or Apple TV remote, subtitles will automatically appear on screen. Tapping the button again will fade the subtitles out as the sound returns. This feature, which will also be available on the iPad and Mac, adds a new layer of convenience to the viewing experience.
While there might be a few drawbacks—such as the potential for distraction during a conversation—this feature exemplifies Apple’s knack for creating intuitive, user-friendly technology enhancements.
Overall, these updates represent some of the most significant improvements to Apple TV in recent years, reaffirming Apple’s position as a leader in consumer technology innovation. Keep an eye out for tvOS 18, set to release in September, along with the iPhone 16 series and other exciting new devices.
