Gadronics
tvOS 26.4 is currently in beta testing, with a launch expected next month. Here are three new changes that tvOS 26.4 will bring for Apple TV 4K users.
#1: Customizing how subtitles look
In tvOS 26.4, Apple is making it easier to change the look of subtitles used in the Apple TV app and more.
Once buried in Accessibility, now Apple TV users will find subtitle customization options right inside the native video player.
When toggling subtitles on or off in the Apple TV app, you’ll see a new ‘Style’ menu option.
Subtitles can be set to any of the following styles:
- Classic
- Large Text
- Outline Text
- Transparent Background
There’s also a ‘Manage Styles’ button. This will take you into the Accessibility settings screen, where you can create your own custom subtitle style.
Any app that uses the default tvOS video player will benefit from the feature. Unfortunately, many streaming apps opt for their own video player, so the Apple TV app might be the main place you see this change.
#2: Continuous Audio Connection
tvOS 26.4 introduces a new ‘Continuous Audio Connection’ option for users. You can find it in Settings ⇾ Video and Audio ⇾ Audio Format, under the HDMI Output heading.
This feature may have been added to improve compatibility with Sonos speakers, though its impact should be broader than that.
Here’s how Apple describes the toggle:
Apple TV uses a Dolby MAT connection for seamless transitions across formats. Older receivers might indicate Atmos, but the original audio will play as intended.
If you’ve encountered issues with your Apple TV audio setup, turning on ‘Continuous Audio Connection’ might help.
#3: No more Movies and TV Shows iTunes apps
Apple’s slow migration of legacy iTunes apps into the TV app is finally complete with tvOS 26.4.
The new software update removes the standalone Movies and TV Shows apps.
Nearly all of the basic functionality of these apps has been available inside the TV app for years. So this ultimately comes as no surprise.
There is one feature users might miss though.
Recently, Apple began notifying iTunes users that the store’s Wish List feature would soon be discontinued. Its recommended solution is to save those Wish List items to the TV app’s Watchlist.
The Watchlist is not quite the same as an iTunes Wish List, but if you still have Wish List items saved in iTunes, now is a good time to start transitioning those items elsewhere before tvOS 26.4 launches.
Have you discovered any other changes in the tvOS 26.4 beta? Let us know in the comments.
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