Greater than six years after Apple’s Eddy Cue proclaimed that “the way forward for TV is apps,” Apple’s 2022 WWDC keynote got here and went with barely any point out of tvOS — the software program that runs on its Apple TV {hardware}. That quote from Cue got here alongside the introduction of the Apple TV’s App Store again in 2015. However the dearth of WWDC information on tvOS suggests the platform isn’t precisely considered one of Apple’s high priorities in the meanwhile.
tvOS has continued to steadily evolve lately, and the Apple TV 4K stays perhaps the best all-around option on the market. The person expertise is intuitive, app efficiency is constant and secure, and Apple doesn’t shove adverts in your face like Roku and Amazon. And the Apple TV app has truly gotten pretty good at aggregating streaming providers and monitoring what you watch. However the App Retailer didn’t actually change how individuals use the Apple TV: regardless of Apple’s earlier efforts to showcase apps like Airbnb and Zillow, the most well-liked downloads stay closely entertainment-focused, with a “high apps” record that’s similar to what you’d discover on Roku, Amazon Fireplace TV, and Android TV.
The corporate’s makes an attempt to shake up the expertise of watching TV have additionally largely fallen flat. Netflix nonetheless refuses to combine with the Apple TV app. Cable firms have been sluggish to get behind initiatives like single sign-on. HBO rapidly bailed on the Apple TV Channels program, which aimed to let individuals watch reveals and flicks from their subscribed providers with out hopping between apps. Each time Apple has some bold new TV thought, any potential is rapidly hindered by highly effective content material suppliers which may not be on board.
That hasn’t stopped Apple from persevering with to construct out and polish the tvOS expertise. Nevertheless it was arduous to overlook simply how ignored tvOS went in the course of the WWDC keynote.
Technically a brand new model is coming this fall; Apple seeded the primary beta to builders on Monday. However contemplating that it obtained no presentation time by any means, the newest launch is nearly sure to be gentle on options and substantial adjustments. Right here’s a few of what’s been confirmed up to now:
Higher cross-device connectivity: Apple says tvOS 16 will permit for higher interactive experiences between your TV display and a number of different gadgets like an iPhone and Apple Watch. This could possibly be a giant deal for third-party health apps like Peloton.
Extra recreation controller assist: tvOS 16 will work with Nintendo’s Pleasure-Cons and Professional controller along with the Xbox, PlayStation, and different gamepads which can be already supported.
A renewed push for multi-user assist: Most streaming apps nonetheless make you choose who’s watching once you open them, and Apple is attempting to push these builders towards utilizing tvOS’ person profile APIs and system integration.
Matter assist (later within the 12 months): Apple’s subsequent batch of main software program updates will add assist for the Matter good house customary — although the corporate has mentioned the mixing will arrive “later this 12 months,” suggesting it gained’t be there on day one.
That’s… just about it. Final 12 months, tvOS 15 a minimum of gained new tricks each within the preliminary launch and all year long together with spatial audio, SharePlay, Captive Wi-Fi assist, enhancements to HomeKit digicam integration, and extra. These might sound minor, however SharePlay was a lot wanted mid-pandemic. And whereas it’s no match for an actual encompass system, spatial audio is surprisingly immersive for motion pictures — and you’ll take pleasure in it with out disturbing anybody. tvOS 16 is relatively wanting fairly dire. Hopefully, Apple will add just a few extra options later within the fall and past.
Forward of WWDC, there was some hope Apple may test off some lingering requests. Here’s a long Reddit thread of fine concepts and wishlist gadgets for tvOS 16. Nobody was asking for Apple to reinvent the wheel, however there are positively options that might enhance the expertise each for house theater lovers and informal streamers alike. Personalised profiles which can be truly helpful! Audio passthrough! Dolby TrueHD assist!
None of that appears to be taking place. No less than not this 12 months. And after seeing a few of the handy capabilities coming to different platforms with iOS 16 and macOS Ventura, I want a few of these (like Continuity Camera) have been headed to Apple’s TV platform. SharePlay is already there, however an precise FaceTime resolution on the massive display could be nice.
Possibly subsequent 12 months — or each time that rumored, hybrid Apple TV and HomePod product ultimately comes round.
