Apple today released tvOS 18, the latest version of the operating system designed for the Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models. The update is promising, offering a number of feature improvements and improved performance compared to the previous version. Additionally, VisionOS 2 was released, which is basically the new version of VisionOS that came with the Vision Pro.
Apple releases tvOS 18 and visionOS 2, both offering enhanced features and significant upgrades over previous operating systems
With tvOS 18 finally being fully released, the new version is now available for users to download via the Settings app on their Apple TV. This small step is unnecessary for those who have automatic updates enabled, as the update will be done automatically.
The tvOS update includes a new Insight Resource for AppleTV+ that mirrors Amazon’s X-ray feature and provides real-time details about the relevant show or movie. This feature allows users to gather information while watching and enhances the overall experience. Users can also use the Apple TV Remote feature on their iPhones to gain insights.
The Enhance Dialogue feature has also been significantly improved to improve clarity and add a more distinct quality to dialogue, even when background noise is quite prominent. The feature now supports a wider range of audio devices, including HDMI-connected speakers, AirPods, and other Bluetooth devices.
VisionOS was released in February when the Vision Pro headset was launched, and now the latest version, VisionOS 2, is available for download by going to the Settings app and selecting Software Update from there. To perform the update, the headset cannot be worn, and users will need to remove it during the installation process. The progress of the update can be tracked by the bar available on the EyeSight display that lets users know about the status of the update even when not in use.
With the new visionOS 2 update, users have a variety of enhanced features available that include the ability to create 3D spatial photos from 2D images, giving them more depth and realistic quality. The Home View feature now comes with greater customization as apps can be moved around according to users’ preferences. Apple has also included a new immersive environment experience called Bora Bora.
Personas have been updated, as they come with more clothing options and represent skin tones more accurately, with animations being more fluid than before. Apple’s release notes for visionOS 2 are provided here:
Photos
– Create a space photo of past memories with just the touch of a button
– Share your favorite moments over FaceTime with others using an Apple Vision Pro with SharePlay for Photos
– Find and enjoy your most precious memories in the redesigned Photos app with Collections, including Featured Space Photos
– Crop videos in your photo libraryHome view
– Personalize your Home view by rearranging apps, including those in the Compatible Apps folder
– Start a FaceTime call, send text messages, or look up contact information more easily with improved People ViewProhibited
– Use new hand gestures to easily access the Home screen, see the time, control volume, check battery level, and open Control Center
– Quickly enter text in Messages with Look to Dictate, simply by looking at the microphone icon
– Navigate Apple Vision Pro using your favorite Bluetooth mouse
– View your Magic Keyboard or MacBook keyboard in an immersive experience with Keyboard AwarenessSafari
– Immerse yourself in panoramas that surround you, just like in the Photos app
– Watch web videos from sites like YouTube.com, Netflix.com and more with a huge screen including glare and reflection
– Ask Siri to read content on Safari web pages
– Access your most important information quickly with pinned tabs
– Separate browsing topics like work, personal or school using ProfilesGuest user
– Save your most recent guests’ eye and hand data for up to 30 days so they can skip setup and switch back to Apple Vision Pro right awayTravel mode
– Use Travel Mode on trains to work privately, multitask with multiple apps, and watch your favorite shows on your long commuteEnvironments
– Explore a new beach environment, Bora BoraPerson
– Create Personas with more accurate skin tones, fluid and natural hand movements with effects, improved vibrant clothing colors, and more eyewear options
– Choose from a variety of backgrounds, including your own photos during FaceTime or third-party video callsMindfulness
– Meditate with visual animations that follow your breathingPrivacy
– Turn on Communication Safety, which includes protections for sensitive videos and photos that children may receive or try to send
– Blur sensitive photos and videos you received with the Sensitive Content WarningAccessibility
– Use live captions for real-time transcriptions of speech, audio, and video content, including FaceTime calls
– Closed captioning of Apple Anchor immersive video wherever you want in your space
– Made pair for iPhone cochlear implant devices
– Invert colors to easily see what’s in your view, changing the way content is displayed
– Automatically dim video content that shows flashing or strobing lights
– Reduce the transparency of an object to make it easier to see or readThis version also includes other features and improvements:
– Use Apple Vision Pro as an AirPlay receiver to mirror content from any nearby iPhone or iPad on the same wireless network
– Watch Apple Immersive Video in a new windowed view alongside other apps
– Edit playlists together and join the best sing-along sessions using Sing on Apple Music
– Use Quick Look to anchor objects to a horizontal surface and view them.
Apple also released iOS 18 and the latest version of watchOS11. Check the relevant posts for more details on the updates the new versions offer.