Apple has previewed tvOS 13, the operating system for Apple TV 4K due to be launched this autumn.
In a related development, Apple is phasing out iTunes. At Apple’s 2019 Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose, senior vice president of Software Engineering Craig Federighi announced that the iTunes app will be discontinued in its current form. In its place will be three media streaming apps: Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and Apple TV.
With tvOS 13, Apple TV 4K gains a new Home screen; multi-user support for customers to access their own TV shows, movies, music and recommendations; support for Apple Arcade; expanded game controller support; and new 4K HDR screen savers filmed under the sea.
“tvOS powers the Apple TV 4K experience and continues to set the standard for home entertainment,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Product Marketing.
“With more personalised features to enjoy your favorite TV shows, movies, photos and music, expanded gaming support and stunning new screen savers, tvOS 13 delivers the most complete entertainment experience to everyone in the home.”
tvOS 13 features a new Home screen on which apps can now play full-screen video previews.
Multi-user support. The new Apple TV Control Center makes it easy to switch between family members so everyone gets their own personalised entertainment experience. Users see their unique Up Next list and receive TV and movie recommendations based on their tastes. The new Control Center also provides users with quick access to key Apple TV features, including system sleep and audio routing.
Apple Music on tvOS 13 takes advantage of multi-user support, so everyone at home can easily play their personalised playlists and recommendations. In the new Control Center, users can quickly access the song that is currently playing. In addition, users can now follow along to onscreen lyrics timed in sync with their favorite songs.
This fall, Apple Arcade comes to Apple TV 4K. With a single subscription, a family of six will have unlimited access to over 100 new and exclusive games, all with no ads or additional purchases, and many will offer support for game controllers. Customers will be able to play Apple Arcade games across iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac and Apple TV.
Xbox and PlayStation game controllers. tvOS 13 adds support for most popular game controllers in the world, Xbox One S and PlayStation DualShock 4, making it even easier for gamers to take advantage of Apple Arcade and other great games on the App Store.1
New screen savers. Apple is expanding the stunning collection of 4K HDR screen savers available on Apple TV 4K by taking viewers under the sea. Filmed in collaboration with the BBC Natural History Unit, the team behind Blue Planet, these immersive videos captured from the depths of oceans around the world.
