Apple Arcade, multi-user support, and a Control Center land with tvOS 13
Apple hurried out an iOS update today that should fix several HomeKit bugs in its new iPhone software, but the really big news is the arrival of a major update for Apple TV – tvOS 13.
The update is a big overhaul of the operating system, bringing a raft of new features to the streaming box, some we’ve been waiting on for an awful long time.
To get the update, you’ll need to go to Settings > System > Software Updates and then select Update Software. When we downloaded it, it took about 5 minutes and then approximately 20 minutes to install, but your mileage may vary.
Here’s what’s new in tvOS 13:
Multi-user support: Finally! You can now create profiles for everyone in your house, meaning everyone will be able to customize their layout and get personalized recommendations for your own Up Next queue, Apple Music playlist, and more. To invite users you need to use the Home app on your iPhone or iPad. Check out our guide on how to set up multiple accounts.
A new Control Center: A handy, slide-in Control Center, similar to the one on the iPhone, gives you easy access to frequently used Apple TV settings. Just hold the TV button to activate the Control Center that lets you switch users, change audio sources, access music, and put the Apple TV to sleep.
Apple Arcade arrives: Apple’s new gaming subscription service, which dropped on to iPhones and iPads last week, comes to the big screen. For £4.99 a month you can play over 100 new games across your Apple devices.
Game controller compatibility: Don’t want to play games on that annoying Apple remote? With tvOS 13 you can pair PlayStation DualShock 4 and Xbox wireless controllers over Bluetooth.
Read this: Apple TV – the missing manual
A redesigned home screen: You can now watch full-screen previews for movies, music, and games as you highlight apps on the top row. Swipe up to hear audio and make selections.
Apple Music gets a refresh: This one’s for the tweenagers in the house. The Apple Music app now includes lyrics, so you can use your Apple TV for some karaoke-style fun.
New screensavers: Now, in addition to aerial screensavers, Apple TV can turn your TV into an underwater aquarium, with soothing seascape screensavers from bodies of water all over the globe. Tap the remote to see the location, or swipe to see the next one.
All in this is an excellent upgrade to one of our favorite smart home set-top boxes. And with Apple TV+ – Apple’s answer to Amazon’s Prime Video and Netflix – arriving 1 November, there’s still more to come.
