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

One other Apple convention has come and gone, and in case you’re an Apple fan, I discover it tough to search out an excessive amount of to be upset about. The Liquid Glass show seems nice, and though it is not coming to my first-gen Apple TV 4K, it is one thing I sit up for 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 might see.

As a matter of truth, the largest 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 a giant 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 a giant deal about it.

Model

Apple

Bluetooth codecs

5.0

Wi-Fi

6

Ethernet

Gigabit (128GB mannequin solely)

Storage and RAM

64GB, 128GB

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Audiio passthrough doesn’t suggest a lot to individuals who watch exhibits or films utilizing their TV audio — one thing you actually should not be doing in 2025. You probably have a correct audio system or perhaps a soundbar, then audio passthrough is essential. As you understand, or may not know, the Apple TV 4K would not permit passthrough, and it as a substitute decodes all of the audio going via it. That is superb for lots of people, particularly if most of what you watch has Dolby Atmos audio. The Apple TV 4K handles that simply superb, however there are different audio codecs it may well’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 suggests the Apple TV would not formally assist the audio format, and it is ridiculous.

The sound nonetheless comes via, nevertheless it’s inferior to it needs 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 Extremely. Having this ensures what you are listening to is in the most effective format it may be in, offered your audio system can deal with it. As anyone 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 manner, and it has been primary on the wishlist of future Apple TV options for many individuals.

In spite of everything this time, it looks as if 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 sweet information for not solely Apple TV homeowners, but in addition homeowners of different Apple merchandise. It feels like audio passthrough is coming to every thing Apple manufactures, together with watchOS of all issues. I am undecided what an Apple Watch proprietor wants that for, but when that is a part of the explanation it is quickly to be accessible on Apple TV, I will not complain. The way in which I see it’s that this can be a internet win for everyone. It helps put the Apple TV 4K additional forward in the most effective 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 hope my Apple TV will get it

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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 am unable to absolutely assure it. My system would not have the Snoopy backgrounds, differing side ratios, and it will not get Liquid Glass. Whereas these are glorious 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 may require a {hardware} replace, however I am unable to 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 examine audio passthrough passing up my mannequin as a result of that is the way in which 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 properly conscious my mannequin is approaching a decade previous, and whereas it nonetheless works, I might wish to get enthusiastic about these Apple conferences by understanding my system continues to be getting updates. I am nonetheless getting tvOS 26, nevertheless it’s not coming with any of the cool stuff. I will hold utilizing it till it lastly offers out, nevertheless it’d be good if I might do this in a spare bed room as a substitute of in my front room. I would like 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 costliest streaming field in the marketplace by a good 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 everyone is keen 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 lower cost and even an Apple streaming stick might assist Apple achieve some market share, however I am getting forward of myself in the meanwhile.

We’re now midway via the 12 months, so it appears like time is working out for Apple to announce some new {hardware}. There’s nonetheless hope it might occur within the fall to launch in time for the vacations, nevertheless 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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