Apple has published the official release notes for tvOS 27, nearly two weeks after the update became available. The software arrived on September 14 for compatible Apple TV 4K models, adding changes to Apple Music, Podcasts, AirPlay, accessibility, and parental or user controls.

Unlike many Apple devices, Apple TV does not display software release notes inside the Settings app. Apple instead updates a support document with details about new tvOS releases, which is where the tvOS 27 information is now available.

Apple Music gains Hi-Res Lossless and AutoMix

tvOS 27 adds Hi-Res Lossless audio support in Apple Music. Apple describes the feature as providing a studio-quality listening experience.

The update also introduces AutoMix, which transitions between songs in a DJ-style sequence. The feature uses time stretching and beatmatching to create more continuous playback between tracks.

Video podcasts arrive on Apple TV

The redesigned Podcasts app on Apple TV now supports video podcasts. This allows users to watch their favorite shows directly on a television instead of relying only on audio playback.

Apple is also adding transcribed audio for content without standard captions or subtitles. The feature can help viewers follow along with spoken content when traditional captioning is unavailable.

tvOS 27 improves AirPlay and text controls

Apple says AirPlay performance is improved in tvOS 27, with faster and more responsive connections when users share photos, videos, or music from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to an Apple TV.

Accessibility settings now include Dynamic Text support. On supported apps, users can set their preferred text size, giving them more control over how on-screen text appears.

Users can block individual apps

A new control in Settings allows users to block specific apps from being launched. The release notes describe this as individual app controls, providing a way to restrict access to selected applications rather than applying a broader restriction across the Apple TV.

Alongside these feature updates, tvOS 27 includes bug fixes and security updates. The release is compatible with the Apple TV 4K second generation and newer models.