Apple TV Unveils Stunning Redesign with Liquid Glass in tvOS 26

Apple TV Unveils Stunning Redesign with Liquid Glass in tvOS 26

On June 9, 2025, Apple announced the release of tvOS 26, marking a significant evolution in the Apple TV experience with a striking new design featuring a material called Liquid Glass. This upgrade aims to enhance user engagement and provide a more immersive viewing experience.

Liquid Glass: A New Visual Experience

The introduction of Liquid Glass signifies a bold step forward in Apple’s design language. This innovative material is known for its vibrant aesthetic, able to reflect and refract its surroundings through real-time rendering. Such a feature not only delivers a fresh look but also helps to maintain the viewer's focus on the content, with a backdrop that adapts fluidly during interactions such as fast-forwarding or adjusting settings.

Refined Access to Entertainment

The Apple TV app has undergone a complete redesign, making it easier for users to discover new content. This revamped interface showcases cinematic poster art that not only attracts attention but also enhances content visibility. To further personalize the experience, Apple has enabled automatic profile display upon activation. This allows users to quickly return to their Watchlists or tailored recommendations, making navigation seamless.

Furthermore, the launch of a new API for developers simplifies app login procedures by linking them to an Apple Account, thus ensuring a smoother setup process for new devices.

Experience Karaoke Like Never Before

In an exciting addition to the entertainment features, Apple Music's 'Sing' functionality has been expanded under tvOS 26. Users can now use their iPhones as handheld microphones, turning any gathering into a karaoke party. This includes the ability for participants to join in with their own devices as they queue songs or express their reactions via onscreen emojis. The real-time lyrics feature coupled with visual effects promises to create a lively atmosphere for users during sing-along sessions.

Enhanced FaceTime Connectivity

Apple is also improving the FaceTime experience on Apple TV. The implementation of Contact Posters provides a personal touch by displaying customized contact photos and names during calls. Additionally, Live Captions are now accessible in multiple languages, including French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Spanish, facilitating inclusive communication.

Users will also receive notifications for calls and audio alerts on connected devices like HomePod speakers or iPhones, ensuring convenient connectivity during viewing.

Looking Ahead: Availability and Features

With the news of an ongoing public beta for developer testing starting today, users can expect the full rollout of tvOS 26 in the fall. However, it's important to note that the new Liquid Glass design will only be available on 2nd generation Apple TV 4K models and later. Other exciting updates include new aerial screensavers, customizable display options for screensavers, and improved interface fluidity designed to enhance user interaction.

The annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) also kicked off today, where additional announcements regarding Apple's software and features are to be expected.