Apple today unveiled significant software updates for its Home products, promising to enhance entertainment experiences and streamline everyday tasks.
With the introduction of tvOS 18, the new InSight feature, and updates to Enhance Dialogue and subtitles, Apple aims to transform home entertainment. The Home app also gets a boost with iOS 18, featuring guest access and hands-free unlock with home keys. These updates are available as developer betas today, with public releases slated for the fall.
Revolutionizing Home Entertainment with tvOS 18
Apple’s tvOS 18 is set to redefine home entertainment. The new InSight feature will provide real-time information about actors, characters, and music from Apple TV+ content. Users can effortlessly access an actor’s background or add songs playing in a scene to an Apple Music playlist. This feature is also accessible via iPhone when used as an Apple TV remote.
Enhance Dialogue, now smarter with tvOS 18, employs machine learning to improve vocal clarity against background noise. This feature extends to a variety of devices, including built-in TV speakers, HDMI-connected speakers, AirPods, and other Bluetooth devices. Additionally, subtitles will automatically appear at key moments, enhancing viewer engagement.
Furthermore, tvOS 18 introduces 21:9 support for projectors and new screen savers, featuring animated characters like Snoopy and Woodstock.
Enhanced Apple Services and Experiences
Apple Services are also seeing upgrades. HomePod users can now share music control via SharePlay and Apple Music. Joining a SharePlay session is as simple as bringing an iPhone close to another iPhone or scanning a QR code. Even non-subscribers can add songs and control playback.
FaceTime gets a boost with Continuity Camera in tvOS 18, offering Live Captions in English for users in the U.S. and Canada, making conversations more accessible on the big screen.
Apple Fitness+ is redesigned to help users stay motivated, featuring personalized recommendations, new search features, and enhanced awards.
Convenient Home Entry and Energy Management with iOS 18
The Home app in iOS 18 introduces guest access, allowing users to manage locks, garage doors, and security systems conveniently. Hands-free unlock with home keys offers effortless entry, activating as users approach within six feet of their door.
Additionally, the Home app now supports energy management in partnership with Pacific Gas & Electric Company. Users can track their electricity usage and make informed decisions directly from the app.
Additional Features and Availability
Robot vacuum cleaners are now compatible with the Home app, integrating into automations and scenes and controllable via Siri. AirPlay enhances the audio experience with Spatial Audio, including Dolby Atmos support for streaming from iPhone and iPad to HomePod and compatible third-party devices.
The developer betas for tvOS 18, iOS 18, and HomePod software version 18 are available now for Apple Developer Program members. Public betas will launch next month, with the official updates rolling out this fall.
