tvOS 17: Why Apple TV Users Might Not Get Excited About This Update
Apple’s WWDC 2023 keynote is just a few weeks away, and fans are eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of the upcoming tvOS 17. However, Apple has been quiet about its plans for its smart home hub operating system during the past two WWDC keynote presentations. Despite the company’s focus on smart home appliances, including the return of the HomePod with a second generation and support for the Matter standard, it’s surprising that Apple has neglected tvOS.
While Apple continues to provide hardware updates for its set-top box, such as the release of another Apple TV with the A15 Bionic chip and new features last year, tvOS lags behind in terms of important software updates. Unlike iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS, which have specific pages detailing the new features that will be introduced after a WWDC keynote, tvOS updates are usually relegated to a footnote on the Apple TV product page months later.
Based on various pieces of evidence, it seems likely that tvOS 17 will not be a significant update. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously reported that Apple had no major plans for tvOS 17, and Apple’s own data reveals that the average monthly active users on its tvOS App Store are significantly lower than other platforms. With a lower user base, it’s possible that Apple has not prioritized tvOS and has instead focused its resources on other projects, such as the long-rumored mixed reality headset, which is expected to be unveiled at WWDC 2023.
As Apple expands its focus on gaming, fitness, and collaboration, the success of its mixed-reality headset could become a significant driver of the company’s growth over the next decade. Additionally, Apple has expressed doubts about the longevity of the iPhone, further indicating its shift towards new technologies. As an avid user of Apple TV, it’s disappointing to see the platform being overlooked. However, it seems unlikely that tvOS 17 will bring any significant updates, given the current state of affairs.
