Wondering which Apple TV models are compatible with the new tvOS 26 update? Here is the official list.
tvOS 26 is Compatible with All Recent Apple TV 4K Models, Including the Apple TV HD from 2015
In the tech space, Apple’s software support is simply phenomenal. No matter which hardware you end up buying from Apple, it keeps on getting software updates for what seems like an endless amount of time.
With the recent tvOS 26 update, you might think Apple is going to end support for some devices and focus on the newer ones. But that’s not the case at all.
Apple’s website indicates that all recent Apple TV devices are getting the tvOS 26 software update, and a very old one from 2015 as well. Here’s the complete list:
- Apple TV 4K (2017, 2021, and 2022 models)
- Apple TV HD (2015)
I just can’t wrap my head around the fact that an Apple TV from 2015 is also getting the tvOS 26 update. Sure, it might not get all the features, but it’s still tvOS 26 on paper, no matter how you slice it.
Currently, the tvOS 26 beta is available for download, and you can test it out on any of the above Apple TV models. And later this year, the full and final version will become available.
It’s entirely up to you whether you want to test the beta or just wait for the final version of the software to arrive. I will suggest waiting for the final version, especially if you have just one Apple TV with you and not a spare.
If you do plan on installing the beta, then do know that you can downgrade back to tvOS 18 as long as you have the Apple TV HD. This the only model with a USB-C port, allowing you to downgrade whenever you feel like it.
That USB-C port also means that you can perform a clean installation of tvOS 26 too. But in all honesty, an over-the-air installation is more than enough for most people.
