When tvOS 26.4 rolls out this spring to Apple TV, the iTunes apps will be removed from the homescreen. The update also brings a new audio feature to fix sound issues across devices.
The new 'Continuous Audio Connection' feature in tvOS 26.4 beta 1 does exactly what the name suggests; it keeps the audio connection active at all times.
In practice, this means there are no abrupt audio format switches, which previously could cause AV receivers and soundbars to produce 'popping' sounds, dropouts, clip audio at movie start or after pausing, or uneven volume between audio formats. These issues have become more widespread with the rise of streaming, as multiple audio formats are used.
The new audio feature in tvOS 26.4 beta 1. Photo: FlatpanelsHDFixes audio issues
With the new feature, all audio is sent via an uncompressed HDMI signal that remains active even when the audio sources – movies, for example – switch between stereo, 5.1, 7.1 and Dolby Atmos. It uses Dolby MAT, meaning LPCM without metadata or with metadata for Atmos.
Early reports from Sonos users on Reddit say that the feature resolves the issue where 5.1 audio played significantly quieter than Atmos.
The same fix should apply to AV receivers. Loud pops or clicks should also disappear. Apple notes, however, that some older receivers may recognize the Dolby MAT signal as Atmos even when it is not. This is a reporting quirk in certain receivers – for example, Sony models correctly distinguish it. Apple emphasizes that the audio is not upconverted; it is simply sent in a Dolby MAT container – similar to video in a 4K container. If users encounter issues with their AV receiver, the feature can be disabled. Stereo signals may trigger quirks – further testing is needed.
HDMI eARC is required if you are looping the HDMI audio signal through your TV. Make sure eARC is enabled in the TV's audio settings.
Also read: HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC explained
iTunes apps removed
Apple began phasing out iTunes for music in 2019 and for movies in 2023. The goal was to move users to the Apple TV app, but the iTunes apps remained on the Apple TV homescreen, gradually losing functionality.
Since tvOS 26, it has been possible to hide the iTunes app via a menu setting. With tvOS 26.4, the apps will be removed completely from Apple TV.
Last week, Apple emailed users who still have movies on their iTunes Wish List:
- "Your iTunes Wish List of movies and shows is going away soon and will no longer be accessible. Links to the movies and shows on your Wish List are attached to this email. To move Wish List items to your Apple TV Watchlist, follow the links and tap the + button. This will make your Watchlist items appear in the Continue Watching row on the Apple TV app Home tab. Otherwise, no action is needed," Apple wrote in an email to FlatpanelsHD.
tvOS 26.4 is currently in beta and will be released publicly this spring.
New subtitle menu
New options are also being added to the subtitle menu with tvOS 26.4 – first spotted by users on Reddit. It will be possible to adjust the size and style of subtitles while playing a movie. It is also possible to design your own style for subtitles; size, colors, background, font etc.
These adjustments can be made while the movie is playing from the small icon above the video playback bar, as seen below. It works in all apps that use the standard video player in tvOS, such as Netflix and Apple TV app.
New subtitle menu in tvOS 26.4. Photo: FlatpanelsHD
