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

One other Apple convention has come and gone, and when you’re an Apple fan, I discover it tough to search out an excessive amount of to be upset about. The Liquid Glass display seems 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. Other than 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 return out of the occasion wasn’t even talked about. As a part of the upcoming tvOS 26 replace, Apple revealed that audio passthrough is turning 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 homeowners have been clamoring for, so it is stunning to see Apple not make an enormous deal about it.

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Audiio passthrough doesn’t suggest 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 essential. As you realize, or may not know, the Apple TV 4K would not permit passthrough, and it as a substitute decodes all of the audio going by way of it. That is fantastic for lots of people, particularly if most of what you watch has Dolby Atmos audio. The Apple TV 4K handles that simply fantastic, however there are different audio codecs it could possibly’t deal with. The result’s that a lot of what I watch on streaming companies comes by way of on my receiver studying as “Multi-In” which suggests the Apple TV would not formally help the audio format, and it’s ridiculous.

The sound nonetheless comes by way of, but it surely’s inferior to it ought to be as a result of it is in a format that is not acknowledged. Many different streamers permit for audio passthrough, together with the cheaper Roku Ultra. Having this ensures what you are listening to is in the perfect format it may be in, supplied your audio system can deal with it. As any individual who has invested a good quantity in my setup, it is painful to see the Apple TV 4K usually not even put it to use. I am not alone in feeling this manner, 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 an even 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 seems like audio passthrough is coming to all the things 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 accessible 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 the perfect streaming field race, and I do not understand how different corporations can catch up until 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 document, I can not absolutely assure it. My gadget would not have the Snoopy backgrounds, differing side 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 look like one thing that may 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 sensible for Apple to push its latest merchandise, however the omissions have been head-scratching. It’s totally simple to check 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 trying ahead to. I am nicely conscious my mannequin is approaching a decade previous, and whereas it nonetheless works, I might wish to get enthusiastic about these Apple conferences by realizing my gadget continues to be getting updates. I am nonetheless getting tvOS 26, but it surely’s not coming with any of the cool stuff. I will maintain utilizing it till it lastly offers out, but it surely’d be good if I may do this in a spare bed room as a substitute of in my front room. I need one thing that has all of the high-end bells and whistles in my front room, 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 worth improve. The Apple TV 4K is already the most costly streaming field available on the market by a good margin, so going up even larger could possibly be very detrimental. Whereas I like what the Apple TV 4K has to supply, the fact is that not everyone 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 in the mean time.

We’re now midway by way of the yr, so it looks 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, but it surely’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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