Eric Zeman / Android Authority
My household is mainly a Google TV family, but we also have a Roku, Fire Stick, and an Apple TV for when we want to explore other platforms. Apple TV is one of my favorite alternatives, though there are some improvements I’d like to see on the software side. Here’s my wishlist for what I hope to see from Apple tvOS 18.
tvOS 18: Features we’re hoping for
Apple tvOS 17 was a significant update, but I’m hoping that tvOS 18 will be even bigger. Some of the features I’d like to see are fairly reasonable and easy to implement. Here are a few things I would like to see:
1. Guest mode: While multi-user support is already available, a guest mode would be a great addition. It would be helpful for situations where guests come over and want to access their streaming services without having a full account.
2. SharePlay across multiple devices: It would be great if SharePlay could be extended to Apple TV, iPads, and iPhones within the same household. This would allow for a more flexible viewing experience, especially for those who don’t have a traditional TV setup.
3. More control over updates: I’d like to see a feature that allows users to easily check for updates for all installed apps at once. This would give users more control over their updates and prevent unnecessary data usage.
4. HomePods as surround speakers: It would be great to be able to use HomePods as surround sound speakers for an enhanced viewing experience.
5. Screentime controls: Adding Screen Time controls to Apple TV would be beneficial for families with younger kids, allowing for more granular control over viewing habits.
6. AI enhancements for Siri: Improving Siri’s functionality on Apple TV would enhance the overall user experience, especially in terms of content curation and search capabilities.
Overall, I’m looking forward to seeing what Apple has in store for tvOS 18. It’s expected to be unveiled at WWDC 2024 in June, with a release following in mid-September alongside iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. There may also be a beta version available for developers and public testing prior to the official release. Stay tuned for more updates on tvOS 18 compatibility and rumored features.