Apple will this week release tvOS 17.1 for Apple TV with expanded support for HomePods, wider compatibility with game controllers, and a new volume feature for users with soundbars and receivers.

In September, tvOS 17 introduced a revamped Control Center, FaceTime, shared Spatial Audio, VPN support, Find Siri Remote, new screensavers, and other new features.

tvOS 17.1 is an extension that adds extra features and fixes bugs.


Enhance Dialogue for all HomePods
 Enhance Dialogue can be activated in the video player or the audio settings menu. Photo: FlatpanelsHD
The 'Enhance Dialogue' feature, which does what the name suggests, previously only worked with the HomePod (2nd Gen). With tvOS 17.1, it now also works with the HomePod (1st Gen) and HomePod mini when paired with Apple TV 4K.

Enhance Dialogue functions within apps that use Apple's default video player. This includes Netflix but not Amazon Prime Video, for example.

 Also read: Review: Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) as TV speakers

Another new features in tvOS 17.1 is what Apple refers to as 'On-Screen Volume Display'. It allows Apple TV to "display volume feedback from external devices like receivers and sound bars".

In other words, it displays the actual volume of your soundbar or receiver on-screen with TV models from brands such as LG and Samsung rather than just the + and - indicators when adjusting the volume. FlatpanelsHD has not yet tested this new feature but we hear that it should work with Sonos and other soundbar brands.


 The new On-Screen Volume Display feature on Apple TV. Photo: FoferJ, reddit

In addition, tvOS 17.1 adds support for the Nintendo 64 Switch game controller, allowing users to play games from Apple Arcade and the app store. This new addition joins support for PlayStation, Xbox, and other Nintendo controllers, as well as various Bluetooth game controllers.

The Apple Music app on Apple TV switches to the new favoriting system that replaces the 'Love' system. Look for the star icon.


Bug fixes, but enough of them?
Some users have reported issues with tvOS 17, including problems with the HomeKit multi-camera view and FaceTime not recognizing all iPhones as a Continuity Camera.

It is not clear whether these bugs have been addressed in tvOS 17.1, as Apple does not always specify the bug fixes included in updates.

tvOS 17.1 will be available to everyone this week for Apple TV HD and all Apple TV 4K versions.