Apple just overhauled its Apple TV interface, and it should be a major upgrade for one of the best streaming devices we’ve ever tested.
Starting yesterday (Dec. 11), the Apple TV app is going to look a lot different for users. The tech company gave the app a refresh as part of a tvOS 17.2 update, but it’s not just limited to tvOS devices like the Apple TV 4K (2022). It also adds some much-appreciated features.
Chief among these improvements is a new sidebar, which gives you quick access to Apple original content like Apple TV Plus and MLS Season Pass, as well as shortcuts to channels and apps, including streaming services like Max, Disney Plus, Paramount Plus, Prime Video and more. It makes it much easier to find exactly what content you’re looking for while also giving Apple the benefit of highlighting some things it wishes you were watching.
Adios, iTunes: Apple TV is replacing the old iTunes Store
Aside from this sidebar, the other major update is an updated store in the Apple TV app. This Store tab allows you to shop for TV shows and movies to buy or rent, replacing the old iTunes Movies and iTunes Shows apps that you had to go to on Apple TV devices prior to this tvOS 17.2 update.
In fact, these old iTunes apps will stop working entirely. On Apple TV HD or Apple TV 4K streaming devices, opening the iTunes Movies and iTunes TV Shows apps will redirect you to the revamped Apple TV app. The same thing will happen if you open the iTunes Store app on iPhones or iPads. You will be able to find your existing purchases in the new app, so don’t worry.
While a lot of these updates are specific to Apple devices, the sidebar — or at least part of it — will be a universal upgrade. I just checked out the Apple TV app on my Samsung The Frame and I found the refreshed design and new sidebar.
There are certain features from the sidebar missing — given it's a smart TV app rather than a tvOS app, it doesn’t add the ability to access channels and apps, but that makes sense. After all, on a smart TV, you’re using the Apple TV app only to watch Apple content or your Apple TV show and movie purchases. Still, even this streamlined version of the sidebar is a welcome addition to the Apple TV user interface.
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