Apple Begins Promoting 'Live Tune-In' Feature on New Apple TV Splash Screen - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Begins Promoting 'Live Tune-In' Feature on New Apple TV Splash Screen

by

Apple today began promoting a new feature on the fourth-generation Apple TV called "Live Tune-In," which lets users jump directly into the live streams of select apps using Siri. The company is specifically promoting CBS, ESPN, and Disney XD as apps that support Live Tune-In, but it hasn't disclosed yet how soon other apps that have live channel functionality will gain the new feature as well.

apple_tv_live_tune_in
To use Live Tune-In, Apple TV users can speak into the Siri Remote using commands like "Watch CBS," or specifically ask to "Watch ESPN live." Other features on the new splash screen of the Apple TV include updates that were released in March's tvOS 9.2 update -- including Folders and Bluetooth keyboard support -- but Apple is just now beginning to promote the Live Tune-In ability as an option for those who watch live channels often on the platform.

Some live streaming apps do require separate subscriptions to be able to watch live TV in the first place, so the CBS app won't work for those who don't have a CBS All Access account. Other live streaming-supported apps that don't appear to incorporate Live Tune-In yet include ABC and Food Network.

(Thanks, Eric!)

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: Apple TV and Home Theater

Popular Stories

tvOS 27 Feature

Apple Seeds tvOS 27 Beta 4 to Developers

Monday July 20, 2026 10:01 am PDT by
Apple today seeded the fourth beta of tvOS 27 to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming two weeks after Apple released the third beta. The beta can be downloaded and installed through the Settings app on the Apple TV. A free developer account is required. tvOS 27 has few new features compared to the other 27 software updates, but it does add a redesigned Podcasts app,...
Read Full Article • 12 comments
General visionOS watchOS and tvOS Betas Feature Redux

Apple Seeds watchOS 26.6, tvOS 26.6 and visionOS 26.6 Release Candidates

Monday July 20, 2026 10:00 am PDT by
Apple today provided developers with the release candidate versions of upcoming watchOS 26.6, tvOS 26.6, and visionOS 26.6 betas for testing purposes. The software comes a week after Apple seeded the fifth betas. The RCs are the final version of the software that will be released to the public as long as no bugs are found during this final testing period. The software updates are available...
Read Full Article • 3 comments
watchos 27

tvOS 27 and watchOS 27 Second Public Betas Now Available

Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:38 am PDT by
Apple today released the second public betas of tvOS 27 and watchOS 27, giving Apple TV and Apple Watch users a chance to try the new software ahead of its fall launch. There's also a new HomePod Software 27 beta for the HomePod and HomePod mini. You can sign up for Apple's public beta testing program on the beta website, and then download the updates through the Settings app on each device. ...
Read Full Article • 4 comments

Top Rated Comments

ck2875 Avatar
ck2875
135 months ago


Some live streaming apps do require separate subscriptions to be able to watch live TV in the first place, so the CBS app won't work for those who don't have a CBS All Access account
If CBS wonders why their CBS app has 18,475 one-star ratings, this is one of those reasons. I don't think CBS understands that they're the most generic of broadcast tv. If pretty much anyone in the United States (cord-cutters included) want to watch CBS live tv, just tune into the channel. Additionally they make money from the advertisements from Live TV and still want to charge you to watch live tv.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zorinlynx Avatar
zorinlynx
135 months ago
If CBS wonders why their CBS app has 18,475 one-star ratings, this is one of those reasons. I don't think CBS understands that they're the most generic of broadcast tv. If pretty much anyone in the United States (cord-cutters included) want to watch CBS live tv, just tune into the channel. Additionally they make money from the advertisements from Live TV and still want to charge you to watch live tv.
What I don't get is why they can't just offer their shows for free on the app with advertisements just like you watch it on live TV.

It's the same damn thing!!
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MLVC Avatar
MLVC
135 months ago
How about activating Siri in more countries?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
N
nickhutson
135 months ago
Yep and I want general access to the 3 channels in HD that are worth watching without spending $70 for 900 other channels I could care less about, but we don't get everything we want. Also this thread is talking about a new feature, it is not a debate on why you hate the Apple TV.
Couldn't care less. Not could. Could caring implies you care a bit, which I don't think is what you meant :)

What I want is for the Apple TV to actually be of some use in the UK - with more than just the BBC being on it. Until then - not interested.

Nice to see some changes are happening, though...
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
M
mildocjr
135 months ago
Not going to have a device connected to my TV that locks me into one walled garden. I want competition and I want direct access to the media outlets I value. So make it work on a general computer or I'll continue with antenna TV.
Yep and I want general access to the 3 channels in HD that are worth watching without spending $70 for 900 other channels I could care less about, but we don't get everything we want. Also this thread is talking about a new feature, it is not a debate on why you hate the Apple TV.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
J
Jakexb
135 months ago
It's interesting to see broadcast networks finally confront how much viewers value their programming in dollar amounts. They've been making "good enough" programs that are attractive to advertisers, but not the sort of thing that people are going to subscribe with actual dollars. Who is really going to pay $10 a month / $120 a year to watch NCIS: Boise ?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments