Apple TV’s new replace is lengthy overdue, and I can not consider it took so lengthy

I’ve an Apple TV 4K in my lounge, so I do know fairly a bit about how the Apple TV app works. Whereas it is good to have every part in a one-stop-shop of types, the app left rather a lot to be desired when it comes to discovery. It did not assist that I used to be principally proven issues from Apple TV+, however with the app having much more than that, it felt like I used to be being let down.

The Apple TV app integrates with most main streamers (with the evident exception of Netflix), so in the event you subscribe to a service like Max, yow will discover that film on Apple TV and begin streaming it with out having to navigate by the Max app itself. It is a good characteristic, however the one time I actually used it was by looking for one thing by identify as a substitute of stumbling on it naturally. It is a downside that plagues many streaming providers, and it is a part of why I’ve began utilizing a

third-party app for my watch lists
. Because of some well timed updates, Apple is profitable me again, and it is a long-overdue change in the event you ask me.

Associated

Why I’m probably stuck with Apple TV forever

Should you’re searching for a easy, easy streaming platform, the Apple TV cannot be beat.

Apple is making large steps in the suitable path

What took so lengthy?

I have been very outspoken about how the Apple TV 4K is my favourite streaming machine, and you’ll take it from any individual who has a Roku Extremely and Hearth TV Stick plugged into different units too. Regardless of having nearly every part available on the market, the Apple TV 4K has reigned supreme, however that does not imply it wasn’t with out its points.

Discovery was simply one of many many issues, however Apple is taking many steps to make it possible for’s a factor of the previous. Should you replace your app, you will discover a way more streamlined expertise. Every thing’s separated properly into rows that embody sports activities, Apple TV+ content material, and, most significantly, customized suggestions. I have been ready so lengthy to get my palms on one thing like this, so it is good to lastly see Apple ship. With streamers getting increasingly more into sports activities, it is good to have a separate class in order that those that have an interest can simply discover it, and alternatively, anyone uninterested can keep away from it.

To their credit score, Netflix has executed an excellent job of recommending issues to me based mostly on my preferences, and I’ve at all times wished different streamers may sustain in that space. Apple has actually taken the suitable steps right here, however there’s nonetheless work that needs to be executed. An issue I run into throughout all platforms is how the reside content material is dealt with. For instance, if I need to tune right into a reside episode of AEW Dynamite on Max, extra occasions than not I’ve to manually kind AEW within the search bar to get to it. Having it out there in its personal row would save a variety of time for me. Generally it is entrance and heart for me and typically it is not. Whether or not it is all the way down to consumer error or one thing else, Apple’s new strategy is a a lot better match for me and others must take notes. One other underrated change is the carousel of recent reveals on the high of the app. These are all Apple TV+ originals, nevertheless it’s good to rotate by the hit reveals as a substitute of getting to trace them down myself.

As of tvOS 18.4, there’s rather a lot to love right here. It is simple to search out out what a present is all about by clicking the large “i” icon, and you can too study its launch schedule simply by trying on the present’s icon. That is much like how Netflix and Max already deal with their reveals, so it is matching them greater than blazing a brand new path, however these are nonetheless large modifications.

I do not assume Apple goes to do something about it at this level, nevertheless it’d be good to see the Apple TV+ content material get spun off into its personal app sooner or later as a result of the Apple TV app nonetheless feels prefer it’s principally an commercial for Apple TV+ regardless of it accessing loads of different content material. It is a nitpick and one thing that is to be anticipated, I suppose, however I feel it’d go a good distance towards cleansing up among the bloat I really feel when opening up the app. It form of works that means on Android units, surprisingly, as a result of that version of the app solely offers me the Apple TV+ content material and nothing else.

Associated

I wish the Apple TV 4K would take notes from the Roku Ultra

I hope Apple borrows from the Roku playbook.

Streaming retains altering, however the providers aren’t maintaining

An ever-changing world

As of 2025, your favourite streaming service seemingly airs live TV of some type. Whether or not it is sports activities, wrestling, actuality TV, and even airing native channels, streaming has a big selection of viewing content material on show. For each one in every of these providers, I feel there must be a variety of work executed for the way simply the reside reveals are discovered. Some apps do it higher than others, and with Apple’s newest replace, I feel that is the chief of the pack.

Both I have never been paying an excessive amount of consideration, or streaming providers have not enormously modified their consumer interfaces shortly. Max modifications its colours and identify every so often, however the app acquired its greatest change when it retired the outdated break up menus in favor of the clean design. Now, every part will be discovered on the left aspect of the display, so there is no want for me to scroll throughout the aspect or high anymore.

That is a pleasant change from Max, and now Apple has made it simpler to search out content material. For me, the largest factor lacking from streaming is accessibility. For instance, Netflix has a variety of issues to observe, nevertheless it’s not at all times straightforward to search out every part. There are such a lot of sections to rotate by, and I do know lots of people simply go and do one thing else earlier than discovering one thing.

The most important game-changer that is nonetheless to return for Apple TV is full Netflix integration. Apple TV is an app that lets me join most streaming providers, so every part’s in a single place barring the largest streamer on the market. If Netflix built-in, because it did by accident earlier this 12 months, then I would not should open the Netflix app ever once more. I’d solely should depend on the clear and improved Apple TV app, and that is a giant win for me. Because it stands, Netflix is by itself island, however I’d love for it to lastly give in and be a part of Apple TV. I will maintain my fingers crossed and hope that mistake from this 12 months turns into a actuality.

Associated

Finally, streaming services are getting AI features that make sense

It took some time, however AI is lastly enhancing streamers.