Ethan Carter
While there aren’t any groundbreaking changes, the new features in tvOS 27.2 enhance the user experience significantly.
Explore Enhanced Screen Savers and Upgraded FaceTime Features
Apple TV is renowned for its impressive screensavers, which may not be its primary selling point but are undeniably enjoyable. Previously, users had to select a single category for their screensavers; however, tvOS 27.2 introduces an exciting change.
This update brings a new “Shuffle” feature that rotates through categories such as Aerials, Memories, Portraits, and Snoopy. Now, each time your TV activates screen saver mode, you will see something new. you can utilize your iPhone to select specific photos for your screensaver without needing to share your entire photo library with the Apple TV. This is especially useful for households where privacy is a concern, allowing you to keep personal images off the big screen.
Apple has revamped the FaceTime experience. With the introduction of FaceTime links, joining a call via your Apple TV has never been easier, though the call will still utilize your iPhone as a camera through the Continuity Camera feature. Another noteworthy enhancement is the ability to add third-party sign language interpreters and live captioning services during calls. This feature is also accessible on iPhone, iPad, and Mac through their respective updates.
Utilize Find My for the Siri Remote and Access Sign Language Features
Filipe Espósito for Engadget
The latest Apple TV 4K is equipped with a new Siri Remote that enhances Find My functionality and includes a built-in speaker, making it easier to locate. While acquiring a new device—or at least a new remote—is necessary to utilize this feature, tvOS 27.2 still brings some improvements to existing Apple TV models. The remote can now be found within the Find My app, eliminating the need to access the TV Remote via your iPhone’s Control Center for location purposes. Although this is a minor update, it streamlines the user experience.
New movies and shows available on the Apple TV app now support American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL). You can easily enable these features through the player controls or in Settings. the TV app has introduced profile support on iPhone and iPad with the release of iOS 27.2, allowing synchronization with your Apple TV. Apple has even added new characters to the profile selection screen, making it more engaging. The profile feature is particularly beneficial for households with multiple users or children, making navigation more personalized. Another subtle change in tvOS 27.2 is the new black-and-white Apple Music icon, which aligns with the updated design introduced in iOS 27.2.
If you haven’t yet updated your Apple TV, you can do so by navigating to the Settings app, selecting System, and then choosing Software Update. This update is free and available for the second-generation Apple TV 4K (launched in 2021) and newer models. Keep in mind that some new features, like configuring a surround sound system with two pairs of the new HomePod mini 2 (or HomePod 2nd generation), are exclusive to the latest Apple TV 4K equipped with the A19 chip, which was introduced earlier this month.
Daniel Mercer
Brandon Fletcher
