Joe Rossignol
Apple released the first beta of tvOS 18.3 to developers on Monday for testing, with the update likely to arrive in January. At this point, there are only minor changes for Apple TV, with one new feature and a few code changes discovered.
Here's what's new in tvOS 18.3 so far.
Robot Vacuum Support in the Home App
First, tvOS 18.3 will add robot vacuum support to the Home app on Apple TV, based on code-level feature references in the first beta.
Here's how Apple describes the delayed feature:
The Home app now supports key robot vacuum features, such as power management, cleaning mode, vacuum, mop, and charge status. They can also participate in automations and scenes, and respond to Siri queries. So you can add them to your cleaning routines — or ask Siri to do a spot clean in the living room.
Similarly, the iOS 18.3 beta will add robot vacuum support to the Home app on iPhone.
Code changes
Removed extra splash screens
The recently released tvOS 18.2 update for Apple TV added a rotating Snoopy screensaver for 2021 and newer models, but it appears other new screensavers Apple had planned for the device have either been canceled or delayed.
Apple had at least two additional categories of screensavers planned for the Apple TV. The first category, TV & Movies, features screensavers based on content from Apple TV+ shows and movies, while the second, Soundscapes, features screensavers with relaxing background sounds overlaid on them, including water and nature sounds.
MacRumors contributor Aaron Parris confirmed that the hidden references to the TV & Movies and Soundscapes screensaver categories that were in the tvOS 18.2 code are no longer present in the first beta of tvOS 18.3.
Last month, it was reported that Apple had removed all references to TV & Movies screensavers from its Apple TV page, including a preview of a new screensaver based on the Apple TV+ series Foundation. With references to screensavers removed in the tvOS 18.3 beta, there's now even more evidence that they've been canceled or delayed.
In addition to Snoopy, existing screensaver categories on Apple TV include Aerials, Memories, and Portraits with an on-screen clock.
Digital Sales Notice
The following digital sales notice will appear in the Apple TV app, according to the tvOS 18.3 code:
When you purchase access to this item, you can permanently download it to your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or PC. Once downloaded, you can access it offline, and Apple can't remove it from your device. If you buy it in the Apple TV app on your Apple TV, smart TVs, or other streaming devices, you won't be able to download it to those devices, but you can easily download it to compatible devices.
tvOS 18 updates are compatible with all 2015 and newer Apple TV models, but some features and capabilities require a newer model.
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