tvOS 12 is launching this fall as a free update for Apple TV 4K and fourth-generation Apple TV

tvOS 12 system requirements release dates

Apple today previewed tvOS 12, the next major version of its living room operating system designed for enjoying digital entertainment on your big screen TV. The upgraded software will release some time this fall alongside other OS updates as a free update for your Apple TV.

tvOS system requirements

Aside from supporting the latest and greatest Apple TV 4K hardware, tvOS 12 will continue to run just fine on your fourth-generation Apple TV. And just like with prior tvOS editions, the tvOS 12 update will not support your third-generation Apple TV models or earlier.

tvOS availability

“The new tvOS will be available this fall as a free software update for Apple TV 4K and the fourth-generation Apple TV,” Apple wrote in the tvOS 12 press release without providing a more detailed timeframe. The tvOS 12 developer preview is available at developer.apple.com.

Dolby Atmos comes to Apple TV 4K!

As previously announced, tvOS 12 brings Dolby Atmos audio support.

For more detailed information on what Dolby is, how this technology works and why you should care, feel free to peruse our little background of this superior surround sound technology.

tvOS 12's new Aerial screen saver is called Space

Aside from Dolby Atmos sound on Apple TV 4K, the tvOS 12 software update enables several other nice-to-haves, such as the following items:

  • New Aerial screen saver, shot in space by astronauts aboard the ISS (pictured above)
  • Zero Sign-On is exactly what the name says
  • tvOS apps can now automatically fill passwords from iOS to Apple TV
  • You can control your Apple TV from home control systems such as Control4, Crestron and Savant, including using Siri for voice search and control

For more details on tvOS 12, visit apple.com/apple-tv-4K and read Apple’s press release.