tvOS 16: New features, compatibility, release date, HomePod support
tvOS 16 is Apple TV and HomePod’s upcoming operating system. Here’s everything we know so far about Apple’s future tvOS update.
Table of contents
New features in tvOS 16
As of now, we don’t know what to expect from tvOS 16. Its internal name is Paris and the upcoming software update will likely feature more in-home capabilities and bring support to more languages as Apple keeps expanding the HomePod mini to more countries.
Device compatibility
All Apple TVs and HomePods that support tvOS 15 will likely keep supporting tvOS 16. Here are them:
- Apple TV HD
- Apple TV 4K or later
- HomePod
- HomePod mini
Release date: When will tvOS 16 come out?
tvOS 16 will likely be announced on June 6, during WWDC 2022’s keynote. The event will be online, although some students and developers will be able to attend the keynote in person at Apple Park.
Following the announcement, Apple will test the operating system for a few months until it’s released for all users around September, as the company has done over the past years. It’s also unlikely that all developers and public beta testers will be able to try HomePod Software Update 16 before its official release, as Apple keeps this beta for selected developers only.
tvOS 16 feature request
Although it’s not 100% related to tvOS 16, in 2020, 9to5Mac’s Parker Ortolani created a concept about an upcoming Apple TV Pro. Much of his ideas could be used in the upcoming operating system.
For Parker, Apple needs to revamp the Apple TV home screen as well as focus more on games:
A new tvOS interface needs to remain simple but should build on top of the existing feature set with things you don’t ordinarily find on smart TVs. It should keep its focus on actual content while downplaying the apps that are used for the actual streaming. In the top left, you can see a quick and persistent link to the TV app so you can jump to your watchlist.
(…) When you switch over to the “play” tab you can see all of your games and game services. You can see that any Apple TV app links turn into Arcade app links. The Arcade app on Apple TV currently only contains games downloaded from Apple Arcade, but there’s a clear opportunity to turn the Arcade app into a hub similar to the TV app.
The Arcade app could show you all of the games you are currently playing, much like the shows you are currently watching in the TV app. Each icon has a smaller icon that denotes which service the game is a part of so there’s no confusion for users. The top navigation also includes a tab for games sold through the App Store, games available on Apple Arcade, services that let you stream games over the web or locally like Xbox Game Pass or PS Remote Play, your library of purchased games, and of course Game Center for all of your friends and achievements.
