8 Amazing Features Coming to your Apple TV in tvOS 17
During its 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) earlier this month, Apple took time to showcase many of the new features coming to all of its devices later this year. Some of the announcements that got us the most excited were about what's coming in the next Apple TV software update.
That's right, tvOS 17 is coming, and with it, a bunch of new features that'll make the update worth it.
Whether you want to sing along with your friends, talk to your family, or access content from anywhere in the world, read on for the best tvOS 17 features to get excited for.
FaceTime Is Coming to Your Apple TV
One of the biggest changes coming in tvOS 17 will be the ability to have FaceTime calls on the big screen with the help of your iPhone.
When the tvOS 17 and iOS 17 updates drop, you'll be able to use your iPhone's Continuity Camera mode with your Apple TV. This will let you use your iPhone as a camera to connect to your Apple TV and have FaceTime calls on your TV.
Moreover, you can also use Center Stage, which is a pretty useful feature that uses your iPhone's camera to frame your face so you're always at the center of the call.
Another feature that not a lot of people are talking about is the Split View. You can hop on a FaceTime call and use Split View while you have the call. That means you can watch a movie while talking to someone or open a different app on your Apple TV.
You Can Use Apple TV to Take Conference Calls
Another big change Apple is making with Apple TV is that you'll soon be able to use third-party communications apps without any workarounds. This is the first time ever that Apple has allowed this, so it's a big deal for both developers and users.
According to Apple's press release, Zoom and Webex have already committed to launching compatible Apple TV apps later this year. Other developers will hopefully get on board now that Apple has provided the tools, but that's up to them, so we'll have to wait and see who else joins in.
You'll Be Able to Use VPNs on Your Apple TV
Another big announcement for Apple TV fans is that you'll finally be able to install VPN apps.
While this might not seem like a big deal, it's the first time that you can add an extra layer of privacy to your Apple TV streaming by using a VPN. Plus, it will help you connect from different regions to access content libraries from your favorite streaming services that you've never seen before.
Improvements to Control Center
Control Center on your Apple TV isn't bad right now, but still, Apple will make it even better and easier to use with just a few clicks.
You'll find all your controls in different categories. While you can customize your categories however you like, your Apple TV will also show you the controls it thinks you'll need the most in a bigger size.
Find Your Siri Remote With Your iPhone
There's nothing more annoying than not being able to find your remote right when you're about to watch your favorite show or movie.
Apple thought of this, and it's introducing a new feature that'll help you find your Siri remote with your iPhone.
Unfortunately, the Siri remote still won't be part of the broader Find My network, so you won't be able to locate it if you've left it at the cottage. However, you can still use the Apple TV Remote control in your iPhone's Control Center to get clear directions to where your remote is in your home.
Just like the enhanced Find My AirPods features, you'll get indications to help you locate your remote. The closer you are, the bigger the rings on your iPhone's screen will be. This feature will be available for the second-generation Siri remote or newer models.
Better Audio and Video Quality
The Apple TV is all about watching your favorite shows and movies online in the best possible quality. While the current tvOS 16 has everything you need to enjoy a high-quality experience, tvOS 17 is going to take it one step further.
For starters, if you have a 2023 HomePod, you'll be able to connect it to your Apple TV and have clearer sound quality. According to Apple, you'll be able to listen to both dialogue and sound effects separately and clearly.
When it comes to visuals, Apple is getting ready to launch Dolby Vision 8.1, which improves the image quality and gives you a more immersive experience.
We don't know the exact details, but Apple says Dolby Vision will be available on many different TV shows and movies.
Apple Fitness+ Is Getting Even Better
For all the fitness junkies out there who love using Apple Fitness+ on their Apple TV, there's a lot of good news.
tvOS 17 brings many new improvements to Apple's fitness subscription service, including the ability to adjust sound however you like with the help of Audio Focus. That means you can choose the lower the music so the trainers' voices are clearer or lower the voices so you can focus on the music.
Additionally, there will be ways to get customized workouts that will be scheduled based on many factors, including day, duration, and the type of workouts you want to do.
Apple Music Sing
Speaking of focusing on the music, Apple TV will let you use Apple Music Sing with your iPhone camera. This is a relatively new Apple Music perk that gives you the ability to sing along to your favorite songs and with your favorite people.
This feature basically turns Apple Music into a karaoke app. However, it'll have other cool features available, like Center Stage, so you can always watch yourself or your friends and family sing their hearts out.