Apple Releases tvOS 10.1 With New TV App

Apple today released tvOS 10.1, marking the first major update to the tvOS 10 operating system that was first released in September. tvOS 10.1 has been in testing since October 31, and Apple seeded four betas to developers before its public release.

The tvOS 10.1 update can be downloaded on the fourth-generation Apple TV using the Settings app. Go to System --> Software Update to install. For those who have automatic software updates turned on, the Apple TV will be upgraded to tvOS 10.1 automatically.

Apple has also released an 8.4.2 update for third-generation Apple TV owners, which is available alongside tvOS 10.1.

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tvOS 10.1 introduces a brand new "TV" app, which is designed to make it easier for users to discover new content across the dozens of television and movie apps that are available.

It serves as a sort of Apple-designed television guide, giving customers a way to find and watch TV and movies across multiple devices. It features a dedicated store, recommended content, and cross-device syncing.

The TV app works hand-in-hand with Single Sign-On, a long-promised tvOS 10 feature that was introduced last week. Single Sign-On lets users sign in with their cable credentials one time to access all live cable content they're entitled to across multiple apps.

Single Sign-On is currently available for CenturyLink Prism, DirecTV, Dish, GVTC, GTA, Hawaiian Telcom, Hotwire, Metrocast, Service Electric, and Sling TV.

tvOS 10, for those unfamiliar with the operating system, brings features like improved search, expanded Siri capabilities, a dark mode, a Continuity option for using the iPhone for text input, automatic app downloads, quicker access to live TV, and more. For more details on tvOS 10 and tvOS 10.1, make sure to check out our dedicated roundup.

Related Roundups: Apple TV, tvOS 12

Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Neutral)

Top Rated Comments

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jdillings

23 months ago

The TV app is hot garbage. It's nearly worthless and Apple implemented it as another app instead of integrating it into tvOS. Like I really want to open another app to find what's playing in another app and then have to open the other app to watch what I want. Another Tim Cook innovation.

Rating: 6 Votes

iDento

23 months ago

Yeah but what about the Macs? The Macs though. Where's the new Macs? /s

Or where is the new TV app for Mac? I bet they'll release it for the Apple Watch before the Mac.

Rating: 3 Votes

Outdoordude01

23 months ago

What's the difference between them anyway?

HBO Go = Through Cable Subscription
HBO Now = HBO not through Cable Subscription

Rating: 2 Votes

vertical smile

23 months ago

It's different? I thought they would be identical. Well that's encouraging thanks!

It is very different. To be fair, the ATV4 version of the apps typically look better, but the usability is not nearly as good, and some of the ATV4 version of apps have less simple features.

Example, the YouTube app on the ATV3 is slightly limited, but you can view peoples channels, and subscribe to those channels easily. The ATV4 version is horrible limited to the point that the only way to see more videos from channel is to search for that channel first.

Also, in my experience the ATV4 version of apps are significantly lower when starting up. Hulu is sometimes 10 seconds.

The greatest thing going for ATV is the app store, which is pretty limited atm, but maybe will be better in the future. Also, using Siri remote to search for things is nice. Especially since most of the search systems on the apps are in a line, meaning it takes a long time to go back and forth with the remote. Man I hate that.

And lastly, the bugs are horrible on the ATV4. I don't have to do it as much now, but at one point, I had to restart the ATV4 a few times a day. Now it is like 1-3 times a week.

The ATV3 is much more simple, but works so much better for things I do most.

Rating: 2 Votes

Lord Hamsa

23 months ago

There is no update for ATV3.

According to the article, there is:

Apple has also released an 8.4.2 update for third-generation Apple TV owners, which is available alongside tvOS 10.1.

Rating: 2 Votes

lenard

23 months ago

I'd like a new ATV, but to be honest its just a netlix box for my tv so I'm thinking that I won't get much extra use out of it.

ATV3 can stay in the house until it breaks!

My use of Apple TV 4Gen:

1.Streaming; Playstation Vue, Directv Now (Testing)
2.Plex TV (Plex DVR(record local stations) play my own media
3.Channels App (Local channel guide and the ability for all TVs to see the local channels with one antenna

The Apple TV is my set top box now on all of my TV's (4)

Rating: 2 Votes

neander

23 months ago

Damn bring back the Home button.. dont like going into the TV app that way. crap..

And you can't edit it any way..

edit: i found a way to edit it.. go into Remotes and Devices - Home Button.

Much better now..

Rating: 2 Votes

vertical smile

23 months ago

I'd like a new ATV, but to be honest its just a netlix box for my tv so I'm thinking that I won't get much extra use out of it.

ATV3 can stay in the house until it breaks!

Netflix on the ATV3 is a lot better than the ATV4 Netflix app imo. If Netflix was the only app I would use, then I would probably sell my ATV4 and just use my ATV3 boxes.

Rating: 2 Votes

Xavier

23 months ago

Time Warner, please start supporting single sign on.

Rating: 2 Votes

jonnysods

23 months ago

I'd like a new ATV, but to be honest its just a netlix box for my tv so I'm thinking that I won't get much extra use out of it.

ATV3 can stay in the house until it breaks!

Rating: 2 Votes

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