Apple may have focused most of its Worldwide Developers Conference presentation on iPhone, Mac and iPad software, but the company has also revealed a significant update for Apple TV users.

The newly announced tvOS 27 is scheduled to arrive later this year and centres largely on improving performance across supported Apple TV devices. According to Apple, apps will launch up to 30 per cent faster, while interface animations and system navigation are expected to feel smoother and more responsive.

The update also aims to streamline interactions between Apple devices. Tasks such as streaming content from an iPhone to a television or routing audio through HomePod speakers should happen more quickly than before.

tvOS

Apple Music is receiving one of the most notable upgrades, gaining support for Hi-Res Lossless audio at up to 24-bit/192kHz. The company is also promising improved playback performance. Meanwhile, the Podcasts app is being refreshed with a redesigned interface that better supports both audio and video content.

Additional enhancements include tighter integration with Apple HomeKit, reduced app storage requirements, smarter download management and easier access to AppleCare information through the settings menu.

tvOS 27 will be available for second and third-generation Apple TV 4K models. However, support is ending for the original Apple TV 4K released in 2017, as well as the Apple TV HD introduced in 2015.

The software update is expected to launch in September alongside Apple’s next wave of operating system releases and could pave the way for a future-generation Apple TV hardware refresh.