Here is Everything New for the Apple TV in the tvOS 18.3 Update So Far

Apples were sown on Monday First tvOS 18.3 beta For developers to test. The update is likely to be released in January. So far, Apple TV has seen only minor changes, with the discovery of a new feature and some code changes.

Below, we’ve outlined what’s new in tvOS 18.3 so far.

Robot vacuum cleaner support in Home app

First, tvOS 18.3 will add robot vacuum support to the Home app on Apple TV, based on code-level references to the feature in the first beta.

Here’s how Apple describes the feature, which faces delayed launch:

The Home app now supports core functions of the robot vacuum, such as power control, cleaning mode, vacuuming, mopping, and charging status. They can also participate in automations and scenarios, and respond to Siri requests. So you can add them to your cleaning routine or tell Siri to do some spot cleaning in your living room.

Likewise, iOS 18.3 beta will add robot vacuum support to the Home app on iPhone.

Code changes

Removed additional screensavers

Recently published tvOS 18.2 update Added for Apple TV Rotating Snoopy Screensaver to 2021 and newer models, but other new screensavers Apple planned for the device appear to have been canceled or delayed.

Apple is Plan at least two additional screen saver categories Available for Apple TV. The first is a screensaver in the “TV & Movies” category, based on content from Apple TV+ series and movies, and the second is a screensaver in the “Soundscapes” category, overlaid with relaxing background sounds, including water sounds and Natural sounds.

mike rumor Contributor Aaron Perris It has been confirmed that hidden references to the “TV & Movies” and “Soundscapes” screensaver categories in the tvOS 18.2 code no longer appear in the first tvOS 18.3 beta code.

Last month, reports surfaced that Apple had removed all mention of the “TV & Movies” screensaver From the Apple TV pageincluding a preview of a new screensaver based on the “Fundamentals” of the Apple TV+ series. In light of the screensavers being removed from the tvOS 18.3 beta, there’s now more evidence that they’ve been canceled or delayed.

In addition to Snoopy, existing screensaver categories on Apple TV include Antenna, Memories, and Portrait options with an on-screen clock.

Digital sales notification

According to the tvOS 18.3 code, the following digital sales notifications will be visible in the Apple TV app:

When you purchase access to this item, you can permanently download it to your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or PC. Once downloaded, you don’t need an Internet connection to access the file, and Apple can’t delete it from your device. If you purchased this app from the Apple TV App on an Apple TV, smart TV, or other streaming device, you won’t be able to download it on those devices, but you can easily download it on a compatible device.

The tvOS 18 update is compatible with all 2015 and newer Apple TV models, but some features and functionality require newer models.