Apple continues to advance its testing schedule tvOS 26.4 betaThis update is not so much about attracting attention with major new features as it is about consolidating the Apple TV system with internal adjustments and some strategic changes in how content is accessed.
In this round of betas, the main focus is on the integration of the store within the Apple TV app and the definitive removal of classic iTunes apps from the television. Although this move had been announced for some time, the arrival of tvOS 26.4 in beta phase This marks a turning point for those who were still buying movies and series from legacy apps.
New tvOS 26.4 betas: second step of the testing cycle
The company has already released several compilations of tvOS 26.4 developer betaThis is part of a cycle coordinated with other platforms like iOS, macOS, and watchOS. These early access versions are primarily intended for developers and testers to check compatibility, identify bugs, and report issues before the update is released to the general public.
In this phase, no revolutionary changes are observed in the Apple TV interface, which is quite common when the system is already very mature. Apple takes advantage of these iterations to tweak performance, improve stability and fine-tune small behaviors that often go unnoticed, but that are noticeable in everyday life when using streaming apps, games or connected home features.
In addition to the developer builds, versions of tvOS 26.4 public beta This is for those who enroll in Apple's software testing program. In this case, the goal is to expand the number of users who can detect bugs in real-world environments, beyond just labs or professional developers.
In any case, Apple maintains a cautious approach: these betas are distributed gradually and always with the warning that they may contain bugs, so it is recommended to install them on secondary devices and not on the main Apple TV in the living room if you want to avoid surprises.
Disappearance of iTunes Movies and iTunes TV Shows in tvOS 26.4 beta
One of the clearest changes this update brings is the Removal of the iTunes Movies and iTunes TV Shows apps on Apple TV. For years, these two apps have been the classic gateway to buying or renting movies and series, but Apple had been gradually redirecting users towards the TV app for some time.
En tvOS 26.4 betaThe move is complete: the apps are no longer available as standalone options, and users can no longer purchase new content through them. Any attempts to make purchases are now channeled directly to the Apple TV app, which consolidates both streaming and video transactions under a single umbrella.
Those with a library full of purchased movies and seasons are not left out. All purchased content remains. accessible from the Apple TV appwhere it appears integrated alongside the channels and subscription services. In other words, the old apps disappear, but not the purchases or the history associated with each account.
This step is part of a strategy the company has been implementing in other systems as well. In iOS 17.2 and iPadOS 17.2, for example, the iTunes Store app had already changed the behavior of the Movies and TV Shows sections, which simply opened the TV app to complete the operation. Something similar happened in tvOS: iTunes apps displayed messages inviting users to use the TV app until, with this beta, The total withdrawal has taken place.
Unifying the video experience in the Apple TV app
The removal of iTunes Movies and iTunes TV Shows points to a clear idea: simplify access to content on the TV. Instead of having to jump between several apps to buy, rent, and play, Apple is opting to concentrate everything in a single app, something that may be more convenient for the average user.
From the Apple TV app, users of Apple TV 4K or compatible earlier models can find their purchased movies, TV shows, channel subscriptions, and the catalog of services like Apple TV+, all within the same interface. This integration eliminates the need to remember which app initiated a purchase or where a particular section of the store was located.
For those who have been using iTunes in the Apple ecosystem for years, the change may be more psychological than practical. The iTunes brand, strongly linked to music and video sales since the iPod era, is becoming increasingly marginal, while The TV app is gaining traction as the main entertainment hub. in the living room, also in Europe and Spain.
Apple seems to have given users ample time before completely removing apps, possibly to allow them to adapt their routines without rushing. The arrival of tvOS 26.4 beta This marks the moment when that transition is practically complete on Apple TV.
Audio settings in tvOS 26.4: Dolby Atmos and continuous connection
Beyond the changes to the applications, the tvOS 26.4 beta also introduces New features in audio settings from Apple TV. Among them is a new HDMI option called "Continuous Audio Connection," designed to improve how sound output is maintained with certain TVs and soundbars.
This setting aims to reduce unwanted dropouts or changes when the Apple TV communicates with the audio receiver via HDMI. For those with more complex home theater systems, or setups with AV receivers, A continuous connection can help stabilize the audio flow and minimize synchronization errors or occasional signal losses.
Another point being refined in this test version is the way the system manages the Dolby Atmos immersive audio versus spatial audiotvOS 26.4 adjusts the terminology and behavior of these options, so that the user has clearer control over what type of sound experience they are activating, especially when combining TV speakers, soundbars and devices like AirPods.
While not a revolution, these changes align with the philosophy of this beta: small internal improvements that, in everyday use, can translate into a more stable experience, especially in contexts where the Apple TV is used as main media center for the living room.
Relationship with other betas in the Apple ecosystem
The advance of tvOS 26.4 beta This isn't happening in isolation. It's part of a broader testing cycle that also includes the release of betas for watchOS, HomePod Software, and visionOS, although in the latter case, the company is currently limiting the distribution of the public beta and focusing it on developers.
Compared to iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, tvOS typically receives fewer flashy features with each iteration, but it does inherit some of the underlying improvements, such as new capabilities for integration with the Apple ecosystemChanges to account management or adjustments to content handling and DRM are also being considered. The focus remains on the most widely used platforms, while tvOS continues to refine details without major visual changes.
In Spain and the rest of Europe, users participating in the testing programs can download these betas from the Apple TV updates section once the device has been registered in the beta software program. It's important to emphasize that these are not final versions and, therefore, They are not the best option for completely stable use In the home.
Those who prefer to wait for the final version will still benefit from all these improvements when Apple releases the stable tvOS 26.4 update, presumably after several additional betas and a Release Candidate version that finalizes the list of changes.
Based on everything we've seen so far, tvOS 26.4 beta appears to be a discreet but important update: on the one hand, This definitively closes the chapter on classic iTunes apps for Apple TV It centralizes video purchases and playback in the TV app; on the other hand, it refines technical aspects such as audio management and overall system stability. It's not a version designed to be groundbreaking, but rather to make the Apple TV more organized and better prepared for the next leap in features that will arrive in future major updates.
