After a tame tvOS 18.1 update, it seems Apple is finally serious about introducing some delayed Apple TV features in tvOS 18.2. As the company started a new beta cycle, it finally added one of the delayed features announced at WWDC 2024: Support for other formats.
While Apple promised the new 21:9 aspect ratio, which is perfect for Apple TVs connected to projectors, the company also added a few other options, such as 2.37:1, 2.39:1, 2.40:1, DCI 4K, and 32:9. These options are available under Apple TV’s Audio and Video settings.
Besides that, there’s another feature that could finally be available in future tvOS 18.2 beta updates: new Apple screen savers. As spotted by MacRumors, tvOS 18.2 codes reference new screen savers. The publication says Apple is working on four categories of screen savers, including Snoopy, TV and Movies, Music, and Soundscapes.
While MacRumors got an early look at some of those screensavers, Apple said we’ll see the Snoopy and TV and Movies screen savers “later this year.” The Music and Soundscapes options are new and will likely be added alongside the previously announced options.
Finally, Apple promised that robot vacuum cleaners will be compatible with the Home app and can participate in automation and scenes. Unfortunately, it’s unclear which robot vacuums will support this feature, even though Apple says this feature is still coming in 2024.
Apple is expected to release tvOS 18.2 by early December; this means the beta testing of the upcoming software update won’t last for very long, and we should have around three new builds before the official version is out.
After many tvOS 18 features have made their debut, I can’t wait for my Apple TV to get support for these other new capabilities. The new screen savers will make a nice addition, while the 21:9 aspect ratio will be perfect for using XGIMI’s new Horizon S Max projector, which was recently reviewed by BGR.
You can find everything new in tvOS 18 below.