For the first time since its introduction in late 2015, tvOS is reportedly getting a significant redesign with tvOS 19, inspired by visionOS, according to Bloomberg.
The user interface revamp is said to span all of Apple’s platforms – iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS – drawing inspiration from visionOS, which also will receive some tweaks, the report claims.
- "The main topic at WWDC will be the company’s new software interface. Dubbed “Solarium” – after glass rooms that allow in sunlight – the new look is slicker and more modern. The approach takes many of its cues from visionOS," reported Mark Gurman, Bloomberg. "One of the major themes this year is consistency and unification across the operating systems."
- "That means tvOS and watchOS will both be redesigned to match their more popular siblings ... While iOS 7 in 2013 was the biggest-ever visual change to the iPhone’s software, the latest overhaul will be much more widely felt."
The visionOS user interface in Apple Vision Pro. Photo: Apple
visionOS has rounder and softer edges, and is very adaptive. Photo: Apple
What to expect with tvOS 19
Mark Gurman did not go into specifics, but the reference to visionOS and the codename "Solarium" suggest a more translucent, glass-like interface, potentially featuring depth effects and adaptation to ambient lighting or other environmental cues.
The new interface sounds more hardware-intensive, so it would not surprise us to see the Apple TV HD lose support with tvOS 19 – 10 year after launch.
No other credible tvOS 19 rumors have surfaced. Apple delayed its Apple TV+ themed screensavers announced for tvOS 18, so they may debut with tvOS 19.
The WWDC 25 invitation hints at the changes. Photo: Apple
New Apple TV hardware this year?
If Apple TV is to adopt visionOS-style adaptability to the environment, it may require additional sensors. In other words, new hardware.
New Apple TV hardware has been rumored for 2025, but then again it was also rumored for 2024. The next Apple TV is said to be the first to feature Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, which will improve integration with other Apple devices.
Bloomberg previously reported that it will support 4K – not 8K – and include a faster processor. These are safe assumptions and we should caution that Bloomberg's Apple TV reporting has been inconsistent and at times incorrect in the past.
Also read: Apple reportedly revives plans for its own TV screen
Apple's WWDC keynote is scheduled for June 9 so we will not have to wait long to find out. The public release of tvOS 19 is expected in the fall.
- Source: Bloomberg
