Apple tvOS 26.4: All new features, Genius Browse and changelog
Apple released tvOS 26.4 this week, and the software update includes a number of new features and changes for Apple TV. The new firmware is compatible with all Apple TV 4K- and Apple TV HD models released since 2015.
To update your Apple TV, open the Settings app on the device, navigate to System → Software Updates, and select Update Software. Below, we’ve summarized the new features.
Apple tvOS 26.4: New Features
Genius Browse
Apple introduced the new “Genius Browse” feature in the Apple TV app with tvOS 26.4. Genius Browse is a content discovery feature that offers recommendations for TV shows and movies from various categories. The suggestions are based on individual content preferences and are updated regularly.
Examples of categories include “Bittersweet Family Dramas” and “Good for Cheering Up”.
Continuous audio connection
Apple states that tvOS 26.4 fixes an audio playback issue on Apple TV 4K that could occur when transitioning audio between programs with different formats.
More specifically, in the Settings app under Video and Audio → Audio Format → HDMI Output there is a new setting called “Continuous Audio Connection”.
“Apple TV uses a Dolby MAT connection for seamless playback across various formats,” reads Apple’s description of the setting. “Older receivers may show an Atmos connection, but the original mixes are not altered.”
Subtitle formatting
You can now change the style of subtitles/coverts while playing content in the Apple TV app and other apps that use the Apple TV default video player, without having to open the Settings app. You can adjust the size and appearance of the subtitles, choose a transparent background for the subtitles, and much more.
To turn on subtitles in the video player, look for the speech bubble button.
No more iTunes apps for TV shows and movies
With tvOS 26.4, the pre-installed iTunes TV Shows and iTunes Movies apps are finally removed from Apple TV; all content is now located in the Apple TV app.
Performance improvements
Apple states that tvOS 26.4 includes improvements in performance and stability.
Release notes
Here are Apple’s release notes for tvOS 26.4:
“This update fixes an audio playback issue on Apple TV 4K that could occur when switching between programs with different formats, such as Dolby Atmos and stereo. The iTunes Movies and TV Shows apps have been removed; all content and playback have been integrated into the Apple TV app. This update also includes performance and stability improvements.”
Some tvOS features are limited to newer Apple TV models.
