Apple Delays Some tvOS 18 Features

Apple released tvOS 18 on Monday following over three months of beta testing, but not all of the new features for the Apple TV are available right away. The company has confirmed that certain features announced at the WWDC event earlier this year will be delayed and released later in the year.

Delayed Features Announced

Some of the most anticipated features of tvOS 18, such as SharePlay for FaceTime and Spatial Audio support for AirPods, won't be available until later in the year. These features were highlighted during the WWDC keynote, but users will have to wait a bit longer to experience them on their Apple TV.

Enhancements to HomePod Mini

One of the delayed features includes the ability to use the HomePod mini speaker as the default output for the Apple TV. This enhancement would enable users to enjoy a better audio experience through their HomePod mini while watching shows and movies on their Apple TV. Unfortunately, this feature will require a later software update to be enabled.

Expanded Multiuser Support

Apple had promised expanded multiuser support on the Apple TV with tvOS 18, allowing different family members to have personalized recommendations and access to their favorite apps seamlessly. However, this feature is one of the functionalities that won't be available until later this year, as Apple continues to work on refining the user experience.

New Control Center for Apple TV

The new Control Center in tvOS 18 was designed to provide easy access to essential settings and features, enhancing the overall user interface on the Apple TV. Despite its initial inclusion in the tvOS update, some of the functionalities within the Control Center won't be fully operational until a future update is released by Apple.

Enhanced Gaming Experience

Apple had teased improved gaming experiences on the Apple TV with tvOS 18, including support for PlayStation 5 DualSense and Xbox Series X controllers. While the gaming enhancements are part of the tvOS update, users may have to wait a bit longer for the full optimization of games and controllers on their Apple TV.

Enhanced Video and Display Settings

Another feature that will be delayed is the enhanced video and display settings that were supposed to offer users more control over their viewing experience. With the delay in releasing these settings, users will have to make do with the current options available on their Apple TV until the full suite of enhancements is rolled out.

Accessibility Improvements in tvOS 18

Apple had made commitments to improve accessibility features in tvOS 18, with enhancements geared towards making the Apple TV more inclusive and user-friendly. Some of these accessibility improvements, however, may take a bit longer to arrive, as Apple fine-tunes the experience for all users.

Integration with HomeKit Devices

One of the delayed features in tvOS 18 includes improved integration with HomeKit devices, allowing users to control their smart home appliances directly from the Apple TV interface. While the initial integration is present, some advanced functionalities may require additional updates to be fully functional.

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