Apple’s tvOS 27 includes a music and podcast update, while visionOS 27 gets Siri AI.
Apple’s annual WWDC unveiled the new operating system versions for all major Apple platforms. Most users are interested in the updates to iOS 27, iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, and macOS 27, but some also own an Apple TV box or even an Apple Vision Pro headset. Here are the new features in tvOS 27 and visionOS 27.
Apple tvOS 27
Apple has optimized tvOS 27, promising faster app launches and a more responsive Control Center. Apple Music also starts playback faster. Speaking of which, Apple Music now supports playback of Hi-Res Audio in lossless quality (24-bit/192kHz). AirPlay connections between Apple TV and HomePods should also work faster.
The Podcasts app in tvOS 27 has been redesigned and now supports both audio and video podcasts. Apple TV now also offers support for smart downloads. If you play games on your Apple TV, you’ll appreciate the redesigned game controller interface.
If you have smart devices at home, Apple TV now supports Thread 1.4. You can also use it to record 4K video. HomeKit Secure video recordings are processed directly on the device to generate descriptions and make them easier to search.
There are also several new accessibility features in tvOS 27, such as the option for larger font sizes in the user interface and expanded support for Made for iPhone hearing aids. English subtitles can now be machine-translated into additional languages.
Apple tvOS 27 is currently available as a developer beta and will soon be released as a public beta. The stable version is expected to be released in September.
Apple visionOS 27
Most of the improvements to the Apple XR headset focus on the new Siri AI and Apple Intelligence features. The AI feature isn’t even a native feature on the Apple Vision Pro headset – Siri simply becomes smarter, not just there, but on all supported Apple devices (the list is short, but includes the Vision Pro). There’s also a new Siri app.
The new visual intelligence lets you ask Siri questions simply by looking at an object. Apple Intelligence is integrated into various apps; for example, Safari automatically groups your reading list by topic and offers more control options in Image Playground.
visionOS 27 makes using the Apple Vision Pro even more convenient. It allows you to convert panoramas into 3D scenes and then define these scenes as environments.
The new version also allows you to create curved virtual windows. You can import 3D objects into your workspace to preview and edit them. Apple has also redesigned the Control Center, ensuring that notifications automatically expand when you view them.
Like tvOS 27, the new visionOS 27 is currently in developer beta and will soon enter open beta. The stable version will be released later this year.
