Apple has released tvOS 10.2 with a new file system and a few other new features for the Apple TV4. The remote app has also been updated with support for iPad.
What’s new in tvOS 10.2
Apple’s tvOS 10.2 is a semi-big update but from the user perspective there are relatively few new features. Most of the new things are under-the-hood improvements ahead of the major tvOS 11 update that is expected to arrive later this year.
Perhaps the most important development from a technical standpoint is that tvOS 10.2 introduces Apple’s new file system dubbed APFS (Apple File System), just like iOS 10.3 for iPhone/iPad does. The new file system is designed for SSD and flash memory, with strong encryption embedded, and should improve overall speed of the system.
One new features highlighted by Apple is “accelerated scrolling” that allows you to scroll though long lists more quickly. You use it with a large swipe on the remote. By swiping the right side of the remote you can also navigate indexes (as soon as developers implement it).
Another new feature not highlighted in the release is “rent once, watch anywhere”. This allows you to rent a movie through iTunes on one Apple device, and watch it on Apple TV (or any other Apple device).
Apple has been steadily improving tvOS since launch in late 2015. You can see what other features have been added here.
tvOS 10.2 release notes
| Accelerated Scrolling support for UIKit and TVMLKit apps |
| Device Enrollment Program support |
| Expanded Mobile Device Management support |
| Support for the VideoToolbox framework |
TV Remote app for iPad
When Apple released the Apple TV4, the company also, shortly after, introduced a new remote app. The “Apple TV Remote” app has until now worked only with iPhone and iPod.
Software update 1.1 adds support for iPad. You can use the app to control playback and navigation on the TV screen. The app also ties in with Apple TV’s Siri integration that allows you to ask for specific movies/shows, and you can even use the app to turn on and off your TV if it supports HDMI CEC.
Additionally, the “Now Playing” graphic has been updated with “experience with lyrics and playlists for music and chapters, audio tracks, and captions selection for movies and TV shows”. You can also move around the playback window in the app with press-and-hold.
The app is available in the App Store.
Apple TV remote software version 1.1
| Support for iPad |
| Enhanced Now Playing experience with lyrics and playlists for music and chapters, audio tracks, and captions selection for movies and TV shows |
| General performance and stability improvements |
