tvOS 18.4: What the new operating system brings for Apple TV devices

In addition to the major updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS and , belatedly, watchOS, Apple has also released an update for its Apple TV operating system tvOS this week. tvOS 18.4 is not very extensive in terms of changes, but still delivers some interesting functions. An overview.

Home, downloads, TV app

In the area of Home support – where tvOS still lacks a dedicated app –, the multimedia box can now also control robotic vacuum cleaners and mopping devices. This has also been possible with watchOS, iOS, iPadOS and macOS since this week. Those who work a lot with apps can now have in-app content downloaded automatically. There is a new switch for this in the system settings. This speeds up access to (new) content, but also consumes more memory.

The Apple TV app has been given a slightly different design. There are new tabs for adding content to the watchlist, an info view and one that shows what will be played next. Trailers and teasers are now in a new clip section. Something has also changed internally: As developers have discovered, tvOS 18.4 supports the ChatKit framework. – This would at least theoretically allow – to display iMessage messages on the TV for the first time or even send them via Siri (or a Bluetooth-connected keyboard). This is reminiscent of Apple’s (unfortunately slow) approach with FaceTime: thanks to pairing with an iPhone or iPad, video chats can now also be held – with other apps.

Lossless with AV receiver

Apple published a lossless and USB-C audio update for the AirPods Max with USB-C this week in the form of new firmware. Apple TV 4K devices are also Lossless-capable, at least in conjunction with the Apple Music app provided for this purpose and a subscription (12 euros per month) plus an AV receiver that can handle this (connection via HDMI).

As Apple explains, there are now suitable settings for this in the audio quality section. As with the AirPods Max, the sample rate is limited to a maximum of 24 bit at 48 kHz. On a Mac, 24-bit at 192 kHz is also possible with an adapter/converter. tvOS 18.4 is installed via the system settings of the multimedia box. The build has the number 22L255.

(bsc)