tvOS 18 Debuts Smarter Features: InSight, Enhanced Dialogue, and More

By Dennis Schultz

Today, Apple’s tvOS 18 introduces a suite of intelligent upgrades, with a focus on enhancing the Apple TV experience. One of the most exciting features is InSight, a real-time display of information related to actors, characters, and music for every live-action Apple TV+ show and movie. This feature aims to deepen engagement by offering viewers timely, relevant content while they watch.

Also improving the viewing experience, Enhanced Dialogue is now powered by machine learning and computational audio. The result? Sharper vocal clarity that automatically adjusts for optimal listening, cutting through background noise to make every word stand out.

Subtitles are also getting a boost. With tvOS 18, they now automatically appear at key moments—such as when users mute the sound, rewind to catch missed dialogue, or when the language of a show differs from the device’s set language. These smart, seamless integrations are set to make watching even more intuitive.

Stunning New Screen Savers like “Portraits” make their debut on Apple TV 4K, offering users more visually captivating idle moments, in addition to the already-loved Apple TV aerial views.

The Home app has received a major overhaul as well, with guest access via iOS 18 allowing homeowners to grant limited control over locks, garage doors, and security systems. Users can now schedule personalized access times for guests or review their Activity History. This update also makes it easier to monitor and optimize electricity usage, thanks to partnerships with utilities like Pacific Gas and Electric Company in California.

Further enhancing the home experience, tvOS 18 allows houseguests to share control of HomePod and HomePod mini audio with SharePlay and Apple Music. AirPlay has been upgraded with Spatial Audio support, providing a more immersive sound experience when streaming audio to HomePod and compatible third-party devices.

In the realm of communication, FaceTime with Continuity Camera now includes Live Captions for U.S. and Canadian users, displaying what’s said on calls directly on the largest screen in the home.

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the redesigned Apple Fitness+ app, which now offers personalized workout and meditation recommendations, a more powerful search function, and enhanced motivational Awards.

Looking ahead, tvOS 18 will bring 21:9 support for ultra-wide viewing on projectors, and new screen savers, including a “Snoopy” theme, arriving later this year. Robot vacuum cleaners are also set to integrate into the Home app, adding them to automation routines and scenes.

Apple’s tvOS 18 clearly sets the stage for an even smarter, more immersive, and connected living room experience.