tvOS 26 Beta 3 Released: What's New for Apple TV Developers
Apple just dropped the third beta of tvOS 26 for developers, and it's packed with some interesting changes. Just two weeks after the second beta, this update brings us closer to the final release, expected this fall. I'm always curious to see what Apple does with its operating systems, and this one seems particularly interesting.
One of the most striking things about tvOS 26 is its new Liquid Glass design. If you've been following Apple's other operating systems, like iOS 26 and macOS 26, you'll notice the design is inspired by visionOS. It seems Apple is trying to create a more unified visual experience across its devices. It makes sense, right? After all, we want our devices to feel like they belong together.
Beyond aesthetics, tvOS 26 also includes some handy new features. For example, you'll soon be able to use your iPhone as a microphone for karaoke. If you are like me, you will definitely enjoy this feature. I can already imagine the fun karaoke nights with friends. Also, there are improvements for using AirPlay speakers with your TV. I think that this is a useful feature for people who have Apple devices at home.
There are also new Aerial screen savers and quicker logins to apps at setup thanks to Apple Account syncing. Let's be honest, anything that makes logging into apps easier is a win in my book. I don't know about you, but I'm tired of typing in my passwords all the time. This is definitely a nice touch.
Right now, the beta is exclusively for developers, but don't worry, it'll be available to public beta testers soon. So, if you're eager to try out the new features, you won't have to wait long. I think it’s a good move to let developers get their hands on the beta first. That way, they can identify any issues and ensure a smoother experience for everyone else.
It's worth noting that Apple released iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26 yesterday, but tvOS 26 was held until today. I'm not sure why they decided to release it separately, but it's here now, and that's what matters. I think that Apple is trying to get everything fixed before release.
Source: Mac Rumors