Anyone who has used an Apple TV will tell you it’s the best streaming device you can buy. From the interface and speed to the ease of setup and overall quality, it’s unmatched by other devices, and honestly, I didn’t think there was much room for improvement. The new TV app proved me wrong.
The TV app in tvOS 17.2 completely reinvents the Apple TV experience with a simpler structure and more dynamic options. In place of the top menu is a new sidebar that gives you quick access to your movie library, Apple TV+, and other subscriptions, and allows you to see the channels and apps you’ve installed. There’s also a Home tab that takes you to the main screen with Next, Channels, and, of course, Apple TV+ content, as well as a complete store for movies and TV shows in a one-stop shop.
You can also easily switch users to see personalized recommendations and libraries without jumping through menus or login screens. iTunes and the App Store are already available to multiple users on Apple TV, and this new TV app menu makes switching between them incredibly fast. The Movies and TV app will be retired, so you’ll be able to switch between libraries within the app.
There’s nothing new about the new interface, but it’s a significant upgrade over previous versions that used a standard tab bar. The options for TV+, Store, Sports, Library, Search, etc. are similar, but the presentation is much simpler and more intuitive. Additionally, a new Channels & Apps option lets you browse content from these services without having to jump back and forth between apps.
Previous reports have claimed that Apple is making changes to drive more people to the app, and that it’s so good that Apple is making it the main interface on Apple TV. It is considered that it should be done. You can also consolidate your current app grid into the “All Apps” tab (which solves any problems with Netflix, etc.) and make the TV app your TV+ for all Apple TV+ related content. . The new interface solves the only two problems with Apple TV: the lack of search and the crowded home screen.
Until then, you’ll be spending a lot of time in the new Apple TV app.