Turn on your Apple TV and you will see a new update. The new software is built on a revamped user interface more in line with iOS 8 on the iPhone and iPad. HomeKit is also part of the update, but you cannot really use it at this point.

iOS 8 on Apple TV
The new user interface makes use of flatter icons and a new font, a look that is more in line with iOS 8 for iPhone and iPad. The new design also changes a few things inside our apps on Apple TV, and navigation feels noticeably faster, especially in the Netflix app.


The new software adds support for iCloud Photo Library that lets you store every photo you have ever taken in the cloud, as well as Family Sharing that lets you share videos, photos, memories and more with your family on their iPhone or Apple TV.

In addition, Ars Technica is reporting that Airplay now works even when an iPhone or iPad is not connected to the same WiFi network as the Apple TV, but we have not been able to make it work yet. Forbes says that the update also adds support for HomeKit, which is Apple’s platform for connecting the home’s devices to the iPhone and internet. However, you cannot really use HomeKit with Apple TV right now as very few devices have added support.

The update only works on the 3rd generation Apple TV.