Apple has released tvOS 27 for Apple TV, bringing Hi-Res Lossless support to Apple Music, AutoMix and a completely redesigned Podcasts app.
The update began rolling out on 14 September, with Apple’s developer release page listing tvOS 27.0 build 24J361. Rather than remaking the Apple TV interface, this release concentrates on music, podcasts and a handful of practical living-room improvements.
The release follows our earlier tvOS 27 preview and forms part of Apple’s wider software rollout, including iOS 27 in the UK.
tvOS 27 is out — Apple Music gets Hi-Res Lossless and AutoMix
The headline audio upgrade is Hi-Res Lossless Audio in Apple Music. Apple says subscribers with compatible external speaker outputs can listen in higher quality directly through Apple TV 4K. That could make the box a more useful source for listeners with suitable AV receivers, amplifiers and speaker systems, although owners should not assume every television, soundbar or receiver chain will expose the full experience.
Apple Music also gains AutoMix on tvOS, creating smoother, more DJ-like transitions between compatible songs. Apple confirmed both changes in its 2026 services update, making music the most significant part of tvOS 27 for home-cinema users.
Apple Podcasts has been rebuilt for the television
The more immediately visible change is Apple Podcasts. The tvOS app has been completely redesigned with sidebar navigation for Home, New, Library and Search, while video podcasts can now play directly on Apple TV. Show pages have also been redesigned around programme artwork and quicker access to episodes.
Episode lists can display individual artwork, podcast channels are available on tvOS, and premium subscriptions are supported where creators offer them. Apple has also expanded larger text-size support inside Podcasts. The company details the changes in its tvOS 27 Podcasts update.
Why the Podcasts update matters
Video podcasts have often meant switching to YouTube, another app or casting from a phone. Apple’s redesign gives Podcasts a much more credible big-screen role. If a programme already publishes through Apple Podcasts, viewers can move from listening on an iPhone to watching on the television without leaving the same ecosystem.
How to install tvOS 27
On a supported Apple TV, go to Settings > System > Software Updates > Update Software. If automatic updates are enabled, the new version may install without any manual action once it is offered to the device.
For more hardware context, our Apple TV 4K (2022) long-term review looks at how the box holds up after extended use, while our Apple TV 4K buying guide covers whether it still makes sense in 2026.
Tech Torque Verdict
tvOS 27 is a restrained update, but the changes are well targeted. Hi-Res Lossless is the standout for anyone running Apple TV 4K through capable audio hardware, while the redesigned Podcasts app makes far better use of the television screen. There is no single feature here that transforms Apple TV overnight; instead, the update makes an already polished streaming box more useful for music and spoken-word entertainment.
