Apple has released tvOS 27, the latest software update for its streaming box, following several months of public and developer beta testing. The free update is available now for the Apple TV 4K.

What's new in tvOS 27

The headline change is a redesigned Podcasts app, giving listeners a refreshed interface for browsing and playing shows on the big screen. Apple has also added accessibility-focused options, including support for larger text and customizable subtitles.

Performance improvements feature prominently in the release. Apple says AirPlaying content to an Apple TV from another Apple device is now faster, apps open more quickly, animations are smoother, and Control Center is more responsive.

How to install tvOS 27

Apple TV owners can download the update through the Settings app. Navigate to System > Software Update to install tvOS 27 manually. Users who have automatic software updates enabled will receive the new version without any action required.

Which Apple TV models are supported

tvOS 27 runs on the second- and third-generation Apple TV 4K models. Notably, Apple has dropped support for the Apple TV HD and the first-generation Apple TV 4K, meaning owners of those older devices will remain on their current software.

The update arrives alongside Apple's broader wave of fall software releases across its product lineup. For Apple TV users, the changes emphasize a more polished everyday experience—faster interactions, better accessibility, and a modernized Podcasts app—rather than a dramatic overhaul.