Apple releases tvOS 11.2 with auto mode switching, live Sports section

Apple has released tvOS 11.2, which introduces automatic video mode switching for frame rate and dynamic range (SDR/HDR) on Apple TV 4K. The update also introduces a live sports section to the ‘TV’ app.

tvOS 11.2 for Apple TV 4K
The most important new features are only available on Apple TV 4K. These options allow Apple TV 4K to automatically match its output to the frame rate and dynamic range (SDR / HDR10 / Dolby Vision) of the content. The options are off by default because it involves a short black screen whenever switching.

- “Starting with tvOS 11.2, Apple TV 4K can automatically switch video display modes to match the native frame rate and dynamic range of video content,” the company said.

You can watch this video for a quick introduction to the new features. It was filmed while using one of the first betas so Apple and developers have made further refinements. The app Infuse mentioned in the video has been updated to support auto mode switching. Apps that use Apple's default video player in tvOS already work.





Sports section, Unwatched category
The tvOS 11.2 update introduces a new Sports section to the ‘TV’ app in the US. The new section will highlight live sports from ESPN, with more partners coming later.

Apple launched the ‘TV’ app as a unified user interface for multiple services. Netflix has so far declined to participate but other partners such as HBO allow integration. Amazon will also support the TV app when the app launches on tvOS later this year.

Lastly, tvOS 11.2 restores the Unwatched category in Home Sharing.

The update is rolling out globally now.