tvOS 18.6 improves speed & stability for Apple TV users

AppleInsider

Apple has released tvOS 18.6 to Apple TV users, focusing on performance, reliability, and security ahead of the tvOS 26 launch in just a few short months.

tvOS gets updated

The update became available on July 28, 2025, following a short beta cycle that ended with release candidate build 22M84. It's now rolling out to all supported Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models through the Settings app.

Apple hasn't introduced any new features in tvOS 18.6. The update includes "general performance and stability improvements."

These minor releases typically patch bugs, close security vulnerabilities, and improve system reliability. With tvOS 26 currently in public beta testing, tvOS 18.6 helps prepare Apple TV hardware for that upcoming shift.

How to install tvOS 18.6

To update, users can go to Settings, then System, then Software Updates. If automatic updates are enabled, the device may have already installed the update.

The tvOS 18.6 update supports the Apple TV HD and all generations of Apple TV 4K. That includes the third-generation model with the A15 chip that debuted in 2022.

Even without new features, these pre-release updates play a key role in maintaining device performance. They address stability issues, improve app compatibility, and reduce the risk of bugs interfering with the launch of tvOS 26.

Apple's next-generation operating system is expected to arrive alongside new Apple TV hardware in September. Keeping devices up to date ensures a smoother transition when that release drops.



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ingenious

Safari feels snappier. 

whizville

Thank you, Apple. I’m looking forward to an even better Apple TV 4K experience. 

edited July 29

dewme

All Apple TVs since the Apple TV HD have been stellar. The prior models were actually pretty good but were rendered unusable for me because they never worked well with Apple’s move to iCloud and 2FA. There was a hack around to work with 2FA but nine times out of ten I’d end up with my Apple ID locked up due to too many retries. 

I’m surprised that Apple still updates the HD model, including today’s update. My only complaint about the 4K models is that it’s not always apparent which version you have. I wish they did something to make it obvious for regular users to tell the versions apart. 

I’m ready to replace my ATV HD only to take better advantage of my 4K displays. I’m hoping Apple reveals a new Apple TV soon so I can retire/donate the HD, which is still a solid device. 

I’m still holding out hope for a soundbar version of the Apple TV. 

laytech

The most disappointing feature on Apple TV is photos. Even with blazing fast internet, photos can take forever to display. I'd like to see Apple allow downloading of your photo library onto the device. Yes, yes, it will use valuable HD but at least it's a back up and super fast loading.

I'd also like to to see my home movies on Apple TV. They are in my library so why not in the Apple TV app?

robin huber

The user interface on all streamers is abysmal, but Netflix is the least annoying. AppleTV+ Home screen buries that last thing you watched back wherever you found it so that you must hunt it down again to continue watching. Selection is difficult because the selected icon barely responds, it gets .01% larger and there is no other visual cue that it is selected. Their own new shows are not prominently featured, and the remote?, don’t get me started. I can’t pick it up without accidentally depressing the Siri button on the side or some other control accidentally. It’s always sucked. I honestly always think that whoever designed it never uses it. The remote everyone should copy is TiVo’s. Hands down the best designed and engineered. Yes, it’s big, but the “peanut” fit the hand nicely, and all buttons are real, not touch sensitive. I hate that in cars without knobs and I hate it on remotes. Sometime bigger is better. 

alrescha

robin huber said:

Their own new shows are not prominently featured

Where do I buy this version?  I absolutely loath the Apple TV+ experience.  Every second that I am not watching a show or movie it is trying to jam video into my face.  Content that I am not interested in and have no way of telling them 'do not show me this ever again'.  I cancelled my subscription - Amazon Video is less obnoxious.

The only saving grace is that you can leave yourself in "Library" and the app remembers that when you start it back up again.  Just don't accidentally back out too far or the onslaught begins again.

tiredskills

Performance, reliability and security is what I want from all Apple's OS releases, but Apple TV might be the one that needs it least.