Apple has today released tvOS 17.2 for Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K with a redesigned Apple TV app that supplants the iTunes app. There is also a new search interface.
Update: Apple has confirmed additional new features in tvOS 17.2, such as the option to answer FaceTime call directly on Apple TV 4K, Dolby Atmos SharePlay, and new Siri languages. We have included them in the table at the bottom.
iTunes was introduced 22 years ago in 2001 and went on to change music and in some ways movie distribution. In many countries, iTunes is the only store to upgrade purchased movies to 4K, HDR10, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, when available, free of charge.

tvOS 17.2 marks the end of the road for iTunes when it comes to movies and TV shows. With the release of the new software, the iTunes app will stop working. Apple's movie store must now be accessed from the Apple TV app on both tvOS 17.2 and iOS 17.2.

- "The redesigned Apple TV app makes it easier than ever for users to watch the shows, movies, and sports they love through an intuitive interface that brings content to the forefront," said Eddy Cue, Apple's SVP of Services. "With so much available to watch, our aim is to ensure users always have their favorites at their fingertips."


Redesigned Apple TV app
For the switch, the Apple TV app has been redesigned with a new sidebar menu and other tweaks. You can hide – but not sort – the 'Channels & Apps' in the sidebar.

The Library tab in the Apple TV app can now be filtered based on genre, Recent purchases, Movies, 4K HDR, and Family Sharing. 

The Wish List has been removed.


 The new Apple TV app in tvOS 17.2 with a sidebar menu that can be opened by clicking back or an extra left click. Photo: FlatpanelsHD

In addition, there is a new search interface on the homescreen and compatible apps (Apple TV, Apple Music) that can be brought up with a light press of the remote's Siri button. A long press will wake Siri.

The new search bar interface includes results from both the Apple TV app (including Disney+ etc.) and Apple Music.

tvOS 17.2 is a follow-up update to tvOS 17.0 that introduced major new features such as FaceTime, a redesigned Control Center, Enhance Dialogue for HomePod, shared Spatial Audio, support for VPN apps, AirPods adaptive mode, and Find Siri Remote.

Last month, FlatpanelsHD also discovered that Apple had started to add 3D movies to the Apple TV app, but these have since been removed again. 3D movies will be playable on the upcoming Apple Vision Pro.

tvOS 17.2 – what's new
In Apple's own words:

Apple TV app
- The new sidebar makes it easier to navigate and find something great to watch.
- All your subscribed channels and connected apps can now be found under Channels & Apps in the sidebar and in Home.
- iTunes movies and shows have moved to the Apple TV app. Buy and rent from the Store, and find your purchases in the Library.
- Watch Now is now called Home, where you can browse movies and TV shows.


 'Channels & apps' services can be hidden but not sorted. The other menu items cannot be modified. Photo: FlatpanelsHD

 Goodbye iTunes Photo: FlatpanelsHD

FaceTime
- Ability to answer calls directly on your Apple TV 4K.
- Support for FaceTime audio calls on Apple TV 4K.
- Calls can now move from your Apple TV 4K to your iPhone or iPad.
- FaceTime is supported on Apple TV 4K (2nd generation or later).

SharePlay
- Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital surround sound formats are now available while watching something together with SharePlay.

Apple Fitness+
- Audio focus lets you choose to hear more of what motivates your workout, whether it’s the trainer’s voice or the music.

Voice search
- Onscreen search can start from anywhere inside supported apps like TV and Music. Press the Siri button to dictate a search.

Siri
- Now includes language support for Arabic in Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, Malay in Malaysia, and Turkish in Türkiye to help you find shows, music, and more using just your voice.
 FlatpanelsHD