Apple Releases tvOS 15.4 With Support for Captive WiFi Networks

Apple today released tvOS 15.4, the fourth major update to the tvOS operating system that first launched in September 2021. tvOS 15.4 comes less than two months after the launch of tvOS 15.3.

Apple TV tvOS 15 Feature
tvOS 15.4 can be downloaded over the air on the Apple TV through the Settings app by going to System > Software Update. ‌‌‌‌‌‌Apple TV‌‌‌‌‌‌ owners who have automatic software updates enabled will be upgraded to tvOS 15.4 automatically.

Apple's tvOS updates are typically more minor in scale, focusing on under-the-hood bug fixes, performance updates, and small tweaks rather than major outward-facing changes, but there are a couple changes in tvOS 15.4.

The update adds support for captive Wi-Fi networks, which means that an iPhone or iPad can be used to connect your ‌Apple TV‌ to networks that require additional sign-in steps, such as in hotel rooms.

tvOS 15.4 introduces an "Up Next" queue directly to the video player to make it easier to get from show to show when you're watching television, plus it includes a new volume button that's accessible from the video player, plus "Tap to Navigate" has returned as an accessibility option and spatial audio controls have also been redesigned.

tvOS 15.4 also allows you to complete a purchase on the ‌Apple TV‌ using an Apple Watch, and adds the ability to display HomeKit cameras in Picture in Picture mode while watching TV.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)

Popular Stories

maxresdefault

Apple Shows Off a Key Reason to Upgrade to the iPhone 17

Saturday February 7, 2026 9:26 am PST by
Apple today shared an ad that shows how the upgraded Center Stage front camera on the latest iPhones improves the process of taking a group selfie. "Watch how the new front facing camera on iPhone 17 Pro takes group selfies that automatically expand and rotate as more people come into frame," says Apple. While the ad is focused on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the regular iPhone...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says These 7 U.S. States Plan to Offer iPhone Driver's Licenses

Monday February 9, 2026 6:24 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
14 inch MacBook Pro Keyboard

New MacBook Pros Could Now Arrive in March

Sunday February 8, 2026 6:02 am PST by
New MacBook Pro models with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips could arrive as soon as Monday, March 2, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In today's "Power On" newsletter, Gurman said that the release of new MacBook Pro models is tied to the release of macOS Tahoe 26.3. The launch is said to be slated for as early as the week of March 2. He added that the M4 Pro and M4 Max models on sale today...
Apple Logo Zoomed

Apple Expected to Launch These 10+ Products Over the Coming Months

Tuesday February 10, 2026 6:33 am PST by
It has been a slow start to 2026 for Apple product launches, with only a new AirTag and a special Apple Watch band released so far. We are still waiting for MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the iPhone 17e, a lower-cost MacBook with an iPhone chip, long-rumored updates to the Apple TV and HomePod mini, and much more. Apple is expected to release/update the following products...
wwdc sans text feature

Apple Rumored to Announce New Product on February 19

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld. The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld. Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...

Top Rated Comments

yabeweb Avatar
51 months ago

I wondered the same. People bring their AppleTV to hotels or pubic spots? It’s not that portable, plus you need to carry a TV/monitor. Odd, it seems
Most hotels have a tv...you do not need to bring your own.. and Apple Tv is quite portable...am I missing something?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
doolittle27 Avatar
51 months ago
Library tab for large collection remains broken on the Apple TV app.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
coolfactor Avatar
51 months ago

Pro tip: After this update my Apple TV would not load the settings app and the long press to reveal the right lateral menu also didn't work. Not even after a reboot.

The fix is to pull out the power cord and wait a few seconds. Quality job from Apple!
Quality job on assuming that everybody will have this problem and that it's a quality-control problem! ?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
_Spinn_ Avatar
51 months ago
The thought of taking my AppleTV to my hotel room never even occurred to me ?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zorinlynx Avatar
51 months ago

Ive done this many times. Particularly works well for Airbnb/VRBO, too.
Same here. In fact, dealing with captive portals was the last hurdle to making the ATV a perfect travel companion for watching media. Nothing beats having your own device with your own streaming logins/etc. when you're at a hotel. Not to mention most hotel TV systems SUCK or aren't subscribed to stuff you want to watch.

Of course I'll have to see how it works next time I travel. I can't find information anywhere and it's not like I have a captive portal wifi available at home to test with.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Fenryx Avatar
51 months ago
Anyone know if this fixes the issue with Audio cutting out when playing Atmos content on a receiver?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)