Apple has announced a wave of software updates for its Home products, promising a more immersive entertainment experience and enhanced everyday convenience.
tvOS 18: Your Entertainment Hub Gets Smarter
This fall, tvOS 18 is set to transform your Apple TV experience. The Apple TV app introduces InSight, a feature that provides real-time information about actors, characters, and music in Apple TV+ shows and movies. You can even view this info on your iPhone when using it as a remote!
Enhance Dialogue also gets a boost, leveraging machine learning to make voices clearer over background noise, now available on more devices. Subtitles will automatically appear in situations like mismatched language or muted audio,ensuring you never miss a beat.
And for those who love beautiful visuals, tvOS 18 brings stunning new screen savers, including dynamic animations featuring Snoopy and Woodstock.
Enhanced Apple Services:
Apple Music and SharePlay are teaming up, allowing anyone to control music on HomePod or HomePod mini, even without a subscription. FaceTime with Continuity Camera gets a boost with Live Captions for greater accessibility.
Apple Fitness+ also gets a revamp, with a personalized For You space, easier navigation, and improved awards to keep you motivated.
Home App Improvements:
The Home app on iOS 18 introduces guest access, allowing you to grant temporary control of your home to visitors.Hands-free unlock with home keys makes entering your home even more effortless.
Understanding your electricity consumption is also made easier with the Home app’s partnership with leading utilities,starting with Pacific Gas & Electric Company in California.
Additional Features:
- Robot vacuum cleaners are now compatible with the Home app, making them part of your smart home automations.
- AirPlay gets a Spatial Audio upgrade, delivering immersive sound with Dolby Atmos support.
Availability:
The tvOS 18, iOS 18, and HomePod software version 18 developer betas are available now for Apple Developer Program members, with public betas coming next month. These updates will be available as free software updates this fall.
