Apple is set to revolutionize the home theater experience with the upcoming tvOS 26 update, which introduces a significant enhancement for AirPlay speakers, making them a more integral part of home theater systems.
The new functionality expands upon existing capabilities, making wireless audio setups more convenient and user-friendly. Until now, Apple TV 4K only allowed Apple’s HomePod and HomePod mini to serve as permanent audio outputs. While other AirPlay speakers could be temporarily connected for audio, their connection would frequently disconnect between uses, requiring manual reconnection each time. This limitation made it impractical to rely on non-HomePod AirPlay speakers as a default audio output.
With tvOS 26, this restriction is lifted. Users can now designate any AirPlay speaker as a permanent audio output. This “permanent” setting means the Apple TV will remember the chosen AirPlay speaker, eliminating the need for repeated manual connections. As a result, the utility of AirPlay speakers is significantly enhanced, potentially encouraging wider adoption of wireless home theater configurations.
The new feature is accessible through the Settings app on Apple TV. tvOS 26 also includes other improvements such as the “Liquid Glass” design, new screensavers, and FaceTime upgrades, collectively aiming to improve the overall user experience and expand the Apple TV’s integration within smart home ecosystems.
