Apple has just launched tvOS 18, the latest iteration of its operating system for Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models, and it brings a treasure trove of fresh features and performance improvements. Alongside this, Apple has also rolled out VisionOS 2, an update to the system that powers the Vision Pro headset, promising even more capabilities and enhancements. Here’s everything you need to know about these exciting updates.
The tvOS 18 update is now available for download via the Settings app on your Apple TV. If you’ve already enabled automatic updates, your device should handle this for you. One of the standout features of tvOS 18 is the new Insight feature for AppleTV+, which mirrors Amazon’s X-ray feature. This nifty addition provides real-time information about the show or movie you’re watching, thereby enhancing your viewing experience. You can even access insights using the Apple TV Remote feature on your iPhone.
Another notable improvement is the Enhance Dialogue feature. This upgrade makes dialogues clearer and more distinctive, even amid background noise. It now supports a wide array of audio devices, including HDMI-connected speakers, AirPods, and other Bluetooth gadgets.
Shifting focus to VisionOS 2, this update is designed for the Vision Pro headset. To install it, you need to remove the headset and navigate to the Software Update section in the Settings app. During the installation process, a progress bar on the EyeSight display will keep you updated on the status.
VisionOS 2 brings an array of new features. One of the most exciting is the ability to create 3D spatial photos from 2D images, adding a layer of depth and realism. The Home View has also been enhanced, offering more customization options so you can arrange apps to your liking. An immersive environment experience named Bora Bora has been added, providing users with a captivating new setting.
The personas feature has received a significant upgrade as well, offering more clothing choices and representing skin tones more accurately. The animations for these digital representations have become smoother.
Here are some highlights from Apple’s release notes for VisionOS 2:
– **Photos**: Create spatial photos from memories, share moments over FaceTime using SharePlay, and enjoy a redesigned Photos app featuring Collections and the ability to trim videos.
– **Home View**: Customize your Home View by rearranging apps, initiate FaceTime calls, send texts, or look up contacts with improved People View.
– **Input**: Use new hand gestures for easier navigation, quick text input with Look to Dictate, navigate with Bluetooth mice, and experience Keyboard Awareness when using Magic Keyboards or MacBook keyboards.
– **Safari**: Enjoy immersive panoramas, watch web videos on a massive screen, ask Siri to read web content, use pinned tabs for quick access, and manage different browsing profiles.
– **Guest User**: Save guest eye and hand data for 30 days, allowing quick setup when they return.
– **Travel Mode**: Use while traveling on trains to work privately and multitask with multiple apps.
– **Environments**: Explore the new Bora Bora beach Environment.
– **Persona**: Choose from more clothing options, improved skin tone accuracy, and smoother animations during FaceTime or third-party video calls.
– **Mindfulness**: Meditate with visual animations that sync with your breathing.
– **Privacy**: Utilize Communication Safety, Sensitive Content Warning, and other privacy-focused features.
– **Accessibility**: Benefit from Live Captions, adjustable closed captions, paired cochlear implant devices, color inversion, automatic dimming for flashing lights, and better object visibility.
Additionally, you can use the Vision Pro as an AirPlay receiver, watch Apple Immersive Video in a new windowed view alongside other apps, edit playlists, and join sing-along sessions using Apple Music’s Sing feature. Quick Look now enables you to anchor objects to surfaces for better previews.
Apple also unveiled iOS 18 and the latest watchOS11 with their own set of exciting upgrades. Check the relevant sources for more details on these new versions.
