tvOS 10.1 with new TV app and Single Sign-On launches on fourth-generation Apple TV

tvOS 10.1 whats new Apple TV splash screen

Alongside releasing the feature-packed iOS 10.2 software update for iPhone and iPad and watchOS 3.1.1 for Apple Watch owners, Apple also this morning launched tvOS 10.1, the first major update to the operating system powering the fourth-generation Apple TV following tvOS 10.0’s debut in September.

tvOS 10.1 (build number 14U593) is not as feature-packed as iOS 10.2. It contains bug fixes, performance improvements, Apple’s new channel-guide app and support for the new Single Sign-On feature, among other items.

Apple also today released Apple TV software 8.4.2 for the third-generation Apple TV.

How to update to tvOS 10.1

To update your Apple TV to tvOS 10.1, go to Settings → System → Software Updates → Update Software, then choose Download and Install or Update Later.

Apple TV Software Update Beta

If you set the Automatically Update option to “On”, your Apple TV will automatically download and install new tvOS software updates as they become available.

TUTORIAL: How to update Apple TV software

We also have a tutorial for updating Apple TV using a USB cable and Apple’s Configurator app, which lets you retain your apps, settings and other data.

To download the full tvOS 10.1 firmware file, visit our Downloads page.

What’s new in tvOS 10.1?

  • “TV”, Apple’s new channel guide app, lets you see your TV subscriptions along with iTunes purchases and rentals in one convenient place. The app supports Single Sign-On and Siri Live Tune-In and features a built-in store to discover new releases, premium movies and popular TV shows.
  • Single Sign-On support in Settings → Accounts → TV Provider. Single Sign-On is currently available for CenturyLink Prism, DirecTV, Dish, GVTC, GTA, Hawaiian Telcom, Hotwire, Metrocast, Service Electric and Sling TV. Additional providers and compatible pay TV apps will be added in the future.
  • Apple’s new iBooks StoryTime app remains a standalone download from the Apple TV App Store and is not included in tvOS 10.1

Apple’s support document details all the bug fixes and security patches in tvOS 10.1.

What’s your favorite new feature in tvOS 10.1?

Do you like the improvements in tvOS 10.1?

Are you excited for Single Sign-On and Apple’s new TV app? Speaking of which, what’s your favorite Apple TV feature in tvOS 10.1 and why?

Chime in with your thoughts in comments below.