tvOS 10 Overview: Single Sign-On, Dark Mode, New Siri Abilities and More

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tvOS, the operating system that runs on the fourth-generation Apple TV, is also set to receive some updates this fall alongside iOS, macOS, and watchOS.

tvOS isn't getting as many changes as these other operating systems, but as can be seen in the video below, there are some important new features being added that make it easier to find content and easier to watch live television.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.

New in tvOS 10 is Siri's ability to search for movies by topic, bringing up content around a theme. Queries like "Show me high school comedies from the 80s" or "Find me movies about dinosaurs" now work. Siri's also gaining the ability to open live channels directly through a Live Tune-In feature that works when you say something like "Watch CBS News" or "Watch ESPN," and Siri can also manage HomeKit accessories.

At WWDC, Apple mentioned that YouTube search is on the way, allowing users to ask Siri to find cute kitten videos or videos of hamsters eating tiny burritos, but that's actually a feature that's going to be available ahead of the fall release of tvOS.

A new Single Sign-On option for pay TV apps is available in tvOS 10, allowing users to sign in once with their cable credentials to access live cable content available through their cable subscription. Apple plans to introduce a new Remote app for iOS devices that mirrors the layout of the Siri remote, and developers are getting a lot of new APIs to build into their apps.

For the first time, games will be able to require a controller, so more complicated controls will be possible, and there are also APIs for recording and live broadcasting, using HomeKit, and accessing iCloud Photo Library photos.

Other new features in tvOS include a dark mode, a Continuity option for easier text input on the iPhone, automatic app downloads, a "Memories" feature in Photos, and a redesigned Apple Music app.

Not all tvOS features are working in the developer beta now, including Single Sign-On, but Apple will likely add functionality as the beta testing process progresses.

For full details on the new features coming in tvOS 10, make sure to check out our tvOS 10 roundup. Don't miss out on our previous videos, which have covered iOS 10, watchOS 3, and macOS Sierra:

- WWDC 2016 Overview in Seven Minutes
- iOS 10's Overhauled Lockscreen
- The New iOS 10 Photos App
- The New iOS 10 Messages App
- macOS Sierra - Siri
- iOS 10 Hidden Features
- watchOS 3 Overview
- iOS 10's Redesigned Apple Music Experience
- 3D Touch in iOS 10
- The New Home App for Controlling HomeKit Devices

We've also got roundups for all of the upcoming operating systems, including watchOS 3, macOS Sierra, and iOS 10.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Tag: Single Sign-On
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Caution)
Related Forum: Apple TV and Home Theater

Top Rated Comments

Mac Fly (film) Avatar
Mac Fly (film)
102 months ago
Go for it MR, now's your golden chance to find negativity in this. You get prompted on your iPhone? That's just Apple trying to sell iPhones. Dark mode? That's Apple trying to not appear racist. Typical liberals. New remote app? That's another way of saying the old app sucks. Come on, let's view life though negative lens. It's the MR way!
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Cineplex Avatar
Cineplex
102 months ago
It amazed me that dark mode took this long. I can't believe everyone at Apple thought bright white was a great idea for a TV menu. Dark mode should be the default. Lights are off you just finished watching a show and BAM! The room is filled with light and you are all blinded.

A bit dramatic but still. Do they really not have someone like Scott Forstall to tell them obvious design choices?
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RealKrS Avatar
RealKrS
102 months ago
Go for it MR, now's your golden chance to find negativity in this. You get prompted on your iPhone? That's just Apple trying to sell iPhones. Dark mode? That's Apple trying to not appear racist. Typical liberals. New remote app? That's another way of saying the old app sucks. Come on, let's view life though negative lens. It's the MR way!
Hey, you ok? :(
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
miknos Avatar
miknos
102 months ago
Go for it MR, now's your golden chance to find negativity in this. You get prompted on your iPhone? That's just Apple trying to sell iPhones. Dark mode? That's Apple trying to not appear racist. Typical liberals. New remote app? That's another way of saying the old app sucks. Come on, let's view life though negative lens. It's the MR way!
You should stop complaining about the complainers.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Soccertess Avatar
Soccertess
102 months ago
They should do something about the awful remote. SO badly designed. I always skip ahead by accident. The two other people I know who use the remote hate it with a passion.

Thanks Tim for failing to design a simple remote
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thisisnotmyname Avatar
thisisnotmyname
102 months ago
They should do something about the awful remote. SO badly designed. I always skip ahead by accident. The two other people I know who use the remote hate it with a passion.

Thanks Tim for failing to design a simple remote
They did something about that already, happened an update or two ago. Fast forward/rewind now require you to pause first and it seems like they made the edges of the touch pad less sensitive. I miss being able to scrub forward without pausing but I don't miss the accidental fast forward/rewind as I pick up the remote and accidentally touched an edge of the touchpad.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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