tvOS is the operating system that Apple uses to run its popular hardware Apple TV just like iOS launches your iPhone and iPad macOS starts your MacBook, and watchOS launches your Apple Watch.
The original Apple TV was first introduced in 2006; Pre-orders began the following year. Originally called iTV (later changed to avoid lawsuit from UK ITV), this first generation of Apple TV came with a 40 GB hard drive. The 160 GB model was released in 2009. The operating system, based on the Mac Front Row software, received a software update in 2008 to allow the Apple TV to run on its own, without the need for a computer to stream to it from iTunes. This first iteration was discontinued in 2015 and the iTunes feature was removed in 2018 due to security concerns.
The second generation of Apple TV came out in 2010; it was the first iOS-based operating system to pave the way for modern tvOS. It wasn’t until the fourth generation of Apple TV in 2015 that tvOS 9 became the first operating system to bear that name. The most last the tvOS version is introduced at version 12, and tvOS 13 has been announced Tim Cook and Apple last WWDC .
tvos 13
First version: September 24, 2019
Current version: tvOS 13, September 24, 2019
beta release : July 2019 (expected)
Apple TVOS 13 brings some interesting new features for your Apple TV. There’s a new home screen that includes full-screen video from apps, a new Control Center to show you the time, date, Now Playing and AirPlay controls, multiplayer support to help you carve out your own Apple TV space (with personalized Apple Music Features). too), Apple Arcade, the company’s top-notch subscription gaming service (with support for Xbox and PlayStation controllers), new wireless audio sync to help eliminate annoying lag between your TV and speakers, new picture-in-picture support, and (of course) new intros.
tvos 12
First version : September 17, 2018
Current version: tvOS 12.3 May 13, 2019
beta version : tvOS 12.4 beta, May 28, 2019
In 2018, Apple released another big software update for Apple TV: tvOS 12. The new software initially added support for Dolby Atmos audio on the Apple TV 4K, with support for up to 7.1.4 channels of surround sound. Apple has also brought a new zero-entry experience to TV apps that support it; you no longer have to sign in to different cable providers to use their app on your Apple TV. The operating system also included password autofill if you had an iPhone or iPad running iOS 12, as well as a few new aerial screensavers. Finally, tvOS 12 brings additional support for developers of home control systems such as Control4, Crestron, and Savant, as well as support for third-party remotes, including Siri.
Now in version 12.3, tvOS has a redesigned TV app that includes Watch Now, Movies, TV Shows, Sports, Kids, Library, and Search sections to make it easier to navigate and search what you want to watch. The first version of the app (first released in 2016) only had Watch Now, Sports, Library, Store, and Search areas. It will eventually integrate with Apple’s anticipated streaming service, Apple TV+. whose launch scheduled for autumn 2019 .
Major new features :
- Dolby Atmos support
- Zero input for cable applications
- Autofill from iOS devices
- space screensavers
- Support for more third-party home control systems and Siri-enabled remotes
- Redesigned TV App
- Tell Siri where to play videos and music
- Find your Mac or iOS device
tvos 11
First version : September 19, 2017
Final version: tvOS 11.4.1 July 9, 2018
In the same 4th generation Apple TV in 2017 it was received another software update and while it wasn’t as hyped as previous versions, a few features were included for the Apple TV device. With tvOS 11, users could schedule dark mode based on the time of day, sync their home screen to multiple Apple TV devices (via iCloud), and automatically set up their AirPods just like on iOS. The update also eventually included improved support for live sports via the TV app (including support for Siri) and the ability to receive on-screen notifications for various games and teams. AirPlay 2 brought multi-room audio to the HomePod, and Apple TV-connected speakers came to HomeKit.
At the same time that tvOS 11 came out, Apple also released the 4K Apple TV, which also supports HDR. This is also known as the 5th generation Apple TV.
Major new features :
- Automatic scheduling of dark modes
- Home screen synchronization
- Automatic pairing of AirPods
- Best Siri Support for Sports
tvos 10
First version : June 13, 2016
Final version: tvOS 10.2.2 July 19, 2017
The following year, Apple released the next version of its Apple TV operating system, tvOS 10. It included an all-new Remote app for iPhone and iPad, single sign-on for easier access to apps and media content, HomeKit support, and dark mode. All of these features were made available to the 4th generation Apple TV through a software update.
