Apple’s tvOS 17.3 Update: What’s New?

Apple TV: Discover the new features and improvements in Apple's tvOS 17.3 update

Apple has recently unveiled tvOS 17.3, the third significant update to the tvOS 17 operating system that made its debut in September of the previous year. This latest release brings stability and performance enhancements and introduces some compelling new features and improvements. Here's a closer look at the notable additions and upgrades within Apple's tvOS 17.3.

3D Movie Support for Apple Vision Pro:

A standout feature of Apple's release of tvOS 17.3  is support for 3D movies on the highly anticipated Apple Vision Pro. Rumored to be a groundbreaking headset combining augmented and virtual reality, the Apple Vision Pro is now being tested for 3D movie support using tvOS 17.3. It suggests that the headset will seamlessly connect to Apple TV, enabling the streaming of captivating 3D content. While this feature is not yet available to the public, its potential impact on the entertainment industry is noteworthy.

Dolby Atmos for SharePlay:

tvOS 17.3 introduces Dolby Atmos for SharePlay, an innovative feature allowing users to watch movies and TV shows collectively with friends through FaceTime. With Dolby Atmos, users can experience immersive sound quality that aligns with the video content's visual excellence. Compatible with a range of speakers and headphones, this feature dynamically adjusts sound levels based on the number of participants engaged in the shared viewing experience.

Voice Search in Apps:

Enhancing user convenience, tvOS 17.3 includes voice search within apps. Users can now effortlessly search for content within apps using voice commands. For instance, stating "Show me comedy movies on Netflix" or "Play the latest episode of Ted Lasso on Apple TV+" prompts Apple TV to open the respective app and display the search results. This feature supports various input methods, including Siri Remote, AirPods, and compatible Bluetooth devices, and is designed to understand multiple languages.

Other Enhancements and Bug Fixes:

Beyond these headline features, tvOS 17.3 brings additional improvements and bug fixes, including a revamped Apple TV app featuring a more user-friendly sidebar menu for more straightforward navigation and content discovery. FaceTime enhancements, such as spatial audio, portrait mode, and grid view, contribute to an enriched communication experience. Apple Fitness+ workouts now incorporate an audio focus, ensuring clearer audio from the trainer over accompanying music.

How to Update to tvOS 17.3:

To experience these enhancements, users can update to tvOS 17.3 by navigating to the Settings app on their Apple TV. In the System menu within the settings, select Software Updates and choose Update Software. For those who prefer a seamless process, enabling automatic updates in the Software Updates section ensures the Apple TV updates to the latest tvOS version overnight while connected to Wi-Fi.