tvOS 13
tvOS 13 compatible devices
| Device Name | SOC | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K (1st generation) | A10X Fusion | 2017-09-22 |
| Apple TV HD | A8 | 2015-10-30 |
Exploring tvOS 13: What's New and Exciting?
tvOS 13, released in 2019 and based on iOS 13, brought a variety of new features and enhancements to Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD.
New Home Screen
tvOS 13 introduced a completely redesigned home screen, featuring full-screen video previews of content. This new home screen was designed to enhance content discovery, allowing users to quickly enjoy new TV shows, movies, music, and games directly from the home screen.
Multi-User Support
One of the standout features of tvOS 13 was multi-user support. This feature allowed multiple family members to have their own personalized entertainment experience. Each user could have their own profile with individualized recommendations, Up Next lists, and Apple Music playlists. Switching between users was made easy with the new Control Center, providing quick access to key Apple TV features, including system sleep and audio routing.
Apple Music Enhancements
Apple Music on tvOS 13 took advantage of the new multi-user support. Each family member could play their personalized playlists and receive recommendations based on their listening habits. Additionally, the Apple Music app displayed lyrics synchronized with the music, allowing users to follow along with their favorite songs.
Xbox and PlayStation Controller Support
tvOS 13 added support for Xbox Wireless Controllers and PlayStation DualShock 4 Controllers. This compatibility allowed users to play games on Apple TV using controllers they likely already owned, enhancing the gaming experience on the platform.
Apple Arcade
tvOS 13 set the stage for Apple Arcade, Apple's gaming subscription service. With a single subscription, a family of six could access over 100 new and exclusive games without ads or additional purchases. Apple Arcade games supported game controllers, including the Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth and the PlayStation DualShock 4, making it easier for gamers to enjoy their favorite games on Apple TV.
Picture-in-Picture
tvOS 13 introduced Picture-in-Picture mode in TV app, enabling users to watch TV shows or movies while using other apps or navigating through the tvOS interface. This feature allowed for a more versatile and multitasking-friendly viewing experience.
Wireless Audio Sync
A new Wireless Audio Sync feature used the iPhone's microphone to calibrate audio synchronization with the Apple TV. This feature ensured that audio from connected speaker systems was properly synchronized with the visual content, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
New Screensavers
Apple expanded the collection of 4K HDR screensavers available on Apple TV 4K by collaborating with the BBC Natural History Unit. These new screensavers showcased stunning underwater scenes, providing a mesmerizing and visually appealing experience when the Apple TV was idle.
Legacy
tvOS 13 built upon the solid foundation of previous updates, introducing key features like multi-user support, Apple Arcade, and enhanced controller compatibility. These improvements positioned Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD as powerful and user-friendly entertainment devices, paving the way for future innovations in Apple's streaming ecosystem. The update emphasized seamless content access, enhanced gaming experiences, and a more personalized user interface.