Apple last week rolled out its first major update to the tvOS software platform in over a year, skipping tvOS 27.1 for reasons it has not revealed to go directly to tvOS 27.2.
The new software is available to download now and will likely be winging its way to an Apple TV 4K box near you, if you have one in close proximity. However, the update is only going to work with 2nd Gen boxes and newer, as the Apple TV 4K (1st Gen) no longer has the necessary hardware to support its mainstream upgrades. It hasn’t been entirely forgotten about though, as it will instead receive the tvOS 26.61 update, adding support for the latest Siri Remote that can be purchased separately.
For those who have a newer Apple TV 4K box, there’s quite a lot to look forward to in the tvOS 27.2 update. First up is Apple Music, which has been revamped with a new logo and user interface enhancements that are designed to make the app work better with the Ambilight-style “Sound Glow” capability that’s available on Apple’s HomePod speakers. With the update, you’ll be able to generate funk mood lighting that’s synchronised with the songs being played through Apple Music.
Apple hasn’t introduced any new screensavers for Apple TV 4K this time around, but it has added a couple of new features for it. With Shuffle, it’s now possible to switch between different styles of screensavers, so you no longer have to select them manually. There’s also a new photo feature, which allows iPhone users to connect to their Apple TV 4K and choose a screensaver from their own photos
Another update pertains to the Siri Remote on Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen) boxes and newer, which can now be found using the Find My application on iPhones, in addition to the native Remote app. Apple has also added support for the ASL and BSL sign languages, which can now be accessed through the settings menus on the Apple TV and FaceTime apps.
Coming back to HomePod, Apple said tvOS 27.2 makes it possible to wirelessly connect up to four of the speakers to the Apple TV 4K (4th Gen), doubling the two speaker connection it was previously limited to. However, that feature is only available to owners of the latest device, which launched in the middle of October, so if you have a 2nd or 3rd Gen box, you’re out of luck.
Still, even two HomePod speakers should conjure up some atmospheric Dolby Atmos surround sound effects, and those who do this will also benefit from a new capability called Whole Room Audio, which is designed for music and TV programmes including live sports and enables users to virtualise audio access up to four speakers.
Finally, Apple said the tvOS 27.2 update is what brings the long-awaited Siri AI feature to the Apple TV 4K (4th Gen) device, but sadly this is not yet available in Europe due to some privacy regulations issues that Apple insists it’s trying to get around. Siri AI makes the Apple TV 4K experience much more conversational, enabling users to navigate the various menus with their voice and ask questions about different movies and shows. It will also come to Apple TV 4K 2nd Gen and 3rd Gen boxes later.
