What you need to know
- Apple has confirmed that tvOS 15 will launch on Monday, September 20.
- It will launch alongside iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and watchOS 8.
- It is still unclear when macOS Monterey will launch this fall.
It looks like tvOS 15 is getting to join the rest of Apple's new software releases.
In a statement to The Verge, Apple confirmed that tvOS 15 would launch aside iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and watchOS 8 on Monday, September 20. Unfortunately, SharePlay, which is by far the most exciting features that Apple announced at WWDC21 this year, will not be available when each piece of software releases to customers next week.
Apple confirmed to The Verge that the tvOS 15 update will go live the same day as its other operating system updates, which include iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and watchOS 8. The tvOS 15 update brings a number of new features to the Apple TV experience. SharePlay is arguably the most exciting addition to the experience and will allow FaceTime users to stream titles together in sync across their Apple devices, including on Apple TV. However, Apple confirmed in August that the feature would be delayed on iOS 15 and tvOS 15 initially and would arrive in a later update, so that feature's currently still on ice — for now.
tvOS 15 is experiencing a minor but handy update this year. In addition to SharePlay, which will launch at some point after the initial release, the latest version of tvOS adds the ability to set HomePod mini as your default speakers for your Apple TV. In addition, tvOS 15 will support Spatial Audio when you want to watch something on Apple TV but use your AirPods Pro or AirPods Max headphones.
tvOS 15 will launch on Monday, September 20. If you want to ensure you get the most out of the new software, check out our list of the Best Apple TV in 2021.
Bottom line: The price tag and marginal upgrades are a big ask for current 4K TV customers, but the new Apple TV 4K (2021) is an excellent bit of kit.
