The Apple TV and Vision Pro are moving up a gear with tvOS 26 and visionOS 26. The changes are legion, here's what to remember from the upcoming updates.
WWDC 2025 was an opportunity for Apple has announced a major overhaul of its various operating systems. We've already covered the changes in iOS 26 for the iPhone in detail, as well as the new features introduced by iPadOS 26 for the iPad and watchOS 26 for the Apple Watch. But tvOS 26 and visionOS 26 aren't far behind either.
Let's start with what's coming to the Vision Pro, Apple's mixed reality headset. visionOS 26 supports native playback of Insta360, GoPro, and Canon content in 180-degree, 360-degree, and wide field of view, the Californian company tells us. This feature is available in both apps and websites. The OS also supports the PlayStation VR2 Sense controller, which can enrich gaming experiences with its high-performance motion tracking capabilities, finger touch detection, and vibration.
visionOS 26 revolutionizes the Vision Pro's immersive experience
Widgets become spatial in visionOS 26. “They integrate naturally into the user's space and reappear each time the Apple Vision Pro is used,” says Apple. They are customizable (frame width, color, depth, etc.) and can be used to decorate the system's virtual space. The manufacturer particularly emphasizes the Clock, Weather, Music, and Photos widgets in its presentation, but third-party developers will be able to offer their own experiences.
visionOS 26 also allows you to share spatial experiences with other Apple Vision Pro users in the same room. For individuals, the likelihood of encountering someone who also has this device is very low. But in a professional setting, this feature takes on its full meaning. Apple explains that the French company Dassault Systèmes is using it in its 3DLive app, which allows users to view 3D designs both in person and with remote colleagues.
Spatial photos become even more realistic, giving the impression of being able to lean in and look around in the Photos app, the Spatial Gallery app, and Safari. The latter also offers spatial navigation, for a new form of immersion in the content you are viewing. Web developers have the ability to integrate 3D models into their web pages, so that the user can observe a product they wish to purchase from all angles, for example.
tvOS 26 gets a new interface
Like its little friends, tvOS 26 adopts the new Liquid Glass design, which adds translucent glass effects to the interface. In addition to the aesthetic aspect, it also allows you to continue to have a good overview of what is playing on the screen when fast-forwarding, rewinding, or going into the Apple TV settings to set a timer, adjust the audio, etc.
The content available for viewing is highlighted by new posters, who benefit from Liquid Glass. A greater number of series and films are also displayed on the screen at the same time. “Users will now be able to automatically display profiles when waking up from sleep mode in the Apple TV app to quickly return to their recommendations and Watchlist in the Apple TV app, and to their playlists in Apple Music,” adds the Apple brand.
The Apple Music Sing feature lets you turn your iPhone into a handheld microphone to amplify your voice during wild karaoke sessions. All users present can also use their iPhone to add songs to the queue or react with on-screen emojis. The Lyrics Translation and Lyrics Speak options give you the ability to understand or better sing songs in foreign languages.
FaceTime is also evolving to become closer to the iOS experience and more personal. tvOS 26 will display a contact's personalized photo and name when initiating a FaceTime call. AI-generated live captions are no longer reserved for English, they can also be accessed in French. German, Korean, Spanish, Japanese, and Mandarin are also supported. Users will also be able to answer incoming calls via connected speakers.
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