Apple WWDC: tvOS 13 Features

By Amit Chowdhry • Jun 4, 2019
  • What are the Apple tvOS 13 features? This article answers that question.

At the Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple previewed tvOS 13 — which brings one of the easiest and most personalized entertainment experiences to the big screen. With tvOS 13, Apple TV 4K gains an immersive Home screen and multi-user support for customers to access their own TV shows, movies, music, and recommendations. And it also offers support for Apple Arcade and expanded game controller support. And Apple also added new 4K HDR screen savers that were filmed under the sea.

What are the Apple tvOS 13 features? Here is an overview:

– A new home screen – The Apple TV 4K features a new Home screen that is designed for discovery. And apps can now play full-screen video previews on the Home screen so users can enjoy new TV shows, movies, music, and games.

– Multi-user support – The Apple TV Control Center makes it easier to switch between family members so that everyone gets their own personalized entertainment experience. Plus users can see their unique Up Next list and receive TV and movie recommendations based on their tastes. And the new Control Center also provides users with quick access to key Apple TV features including system sleep and audio routing.

– Apple Music – tvOS 13 offers multi-user support for Apple Music so that everyone in the home can play their personalized playlists and recommendations. And in the new Control Center, users can quickly access the song that is currently playing. In addition to that, users are able to follow along to on-screen lyrics timed in sync with their favorite songs.

– Apple Arcade – In the fall, Apple Arcade will be available on the Apple TV 4K. Through a single subscription, a family of six will have unlimited access to more than 100 new and exclusive games without ads or additional purchases. And many will offer support for game controllers. Plus customers will be able to play Apple Arcade games across iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, and Apple TV.

– Xbox and PlayStation game controllers – tvOS 13 provides support for the Xbox One S and PlayStation DualShock 4 controllers and makes it even easier for gamers for playing Apple Arcade and other games on the App Store

– New screen savers – Apple expanded on its collection of 4K HDR screen savers available on the Apple TV 4K. The screen savers were filmed in collaboration with the BBC Natural History Unit — which is the team behind “Blue Planet.” The immersive screen savers were captured from the depths of the ocean around the world.

“tvOS powers the Apple TV 4K experience and continues to set the standard for home entertainment,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Product Marketing. “With more personalized features to enjoy your favorite TV shows, movies, photos and music, expanded gaming support and stunning new screen savers, tvOS 13 delivers the most complete entertainment experience to everyone in the home.