Apple forgot to say one of many largest upgrades included in tvOS 26

One other Apple convention has come and gone, and if you happen to’re an Apple fan, I discover it tough to seek out an excessive amount of to be upset about. The Liquid Glass display appears to be like nice, and though it is not coming to my first-gen Apple TV 4K, it is one thing I look ahead to as soon as I lastly make an improve. Except for that, the presentation consisted of small upgrades that make the viewing expertise higher, however there was nothing actually game-changing from what I may see.

As a matter of reality, the most important factor to come back out of the occasion wasn’t even talked about. As a part of the upcoming tvOS 26 replace, Apple revealed that audio passthrough is changing into a actuality. This data did not come from Apple making an enormous announcement, however as a substitute, it was discovered within the launch notes for the brand new tvOS model. That is one thing many house owners have been clamoring for, so it is stunning to see Apple not make an enormous deal about it.

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Audiio passthrough does not imply a lot to individuals who watch exhibits or motion pictures utilizing their TV audio — one thing you actually should not be doing in 2025. When you’ve got a correct audio system or perhaps a soundbar, then audio passthrough is vital. As you already know, or won’t know, the Apple TV 4K would not enable passthrough, and it as a substitute decodes all of the audio going via it. That is wonderful for lots of people, particularly if most of what you watch has Dolby Atmos audio. The Apple TV 4K handles that simply wonderful, however there are different audio codecs it may possibly’t deal with. The result’s that a lot of what I watch on streaming companies comes via on my receiver studying as “Multi-In” which implies the Apple TV would not formally help the audio format, and it’s ridiculous.

The sound nonetheless comes via, however it’s inferior to it must be as a result of it is in a format that is not acknowledged. Many different streamers enable for audio passthrough, together with the cheaper Roku Ultra. Having this ensures what you are listening to is in one of the best format it may be in, supplied your audio system can deal with it. As someone who has invested a good quantity in my setup, it is painful to see the Apple TV 4K typically not even put it to use. I am not alone in feeling this fashion, and it has been primary on the wishlist of future Apple TV options for many individuals.

In any case this time, it looks like Apple has lastly heard the pleas from homeowners. I do not perceive why a much bigger deal wasn’t made out of it, however I am glad it is occurring. This unified replace scheme from Apple is nice information for not solely Apple TV homeowners, but in addition homeowners of different Apple merchandise. It feels like audio passthrough is coming to every part Apple manufactures, together with watchOS of all issues. I am unsure what an Apple Watch proprietor wants that for, but when that is a part of the rationale it is quickly to be out there on Apple TV, I will not complain. The best way I see it’s that this can be a internet win for everyone. It helps put the Apple TV 4K additional forward in one of the best streaming field race, and I do not know the way different firms can catch up except Apple shoots itself within the foot.

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I’ve my fingers crossed that my first-gen Apple TV 4K will get entry to audio passthrough, however with Apple’s observe file, I can not absolutely assure it. My system would not have the Snoopy backgrounds, differing facet ratios, and it will not get Liquid Glass. Whereas these are wonderful causes to improve, I do not see why Apple is not sharing the love. We’re speaking about Snoopy backgrounds being locked behind sure fashions, and I simply cannot perceive what the reason being for that.

Audio passthrough would not appear to be one thing that might require a {hardware} replace, however I can not rule it out. Apple has largely been locking out the first-gen Apple TV 4K, and the second-gen has missed out on options as of late. It is smart for Apple to push its latest merchandise, however the omissions have been head-scratching. It’s totally simple to examine audio passthrough passing up my mannequin as a result of that is the best way Apple has been working.

A brand new Apple TV 4K is rumored to be on the horizon, and it is one thing I have been wanting ahead to. I am effectively conscious my mannequin is approaching a decade outdated, and whereas it nonetheless works, I might prefer to get enthusiastic about these Apple conferences by understanding my system continues to be getting updates. I am nonetheless getting tvOS 26, however it’s not coming with any of the cool stuff. I will hold utilizing it till it lastly offers out, however it’d be good if I may do this in a spare bed room as a substitute of in my lounge. I need one thing that has all of the high-end bells and whistles in my lounge, and that is going to be the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K if Apple ever decides to announce it.

My solely want is that there is not sufficient value enhance. The Apple TV 4K is already the costliest streaming field in the marketplace by an honest margin, so going up even increased may very well be very detrimental. Whereas I like what the Apple TV 4K has to supply, the truth is that not all people is prepared to pay over $100 for a streaming field. I think about some individuals get the identical worth out of a Roku Streaming Stick as they do with an costly field. A cheaper price and even an Apple streaming stick may assist Apple achieve some market share, however I am getting forward of myself for the time being.

We’re now midway via the yr, so it seems like time is operating out for Apple to announce some new {hardware}. There’s nonetheless hope it may occur within the fall to launch in time for the vacations, however it’s anyone’s guess at this level. It has been the longest it is ever been between Apple TV 4K generations now, so we’re already in unprecedented territory.

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