tvOS 26.4 Beta: Audio improvements and iTunes apps disappear

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Apple has released the first beta version of tvOS 26.4 for developers and public testers. The new firmware includes a feature called "Continuous Audio Connection" which is intended to eliminate persistent audio problems with Apple TV. At the same time, Apple has finally removed the iTunes Movies and iTunes TV Shows apps from the system.

The new audio feature uses the Dolby MAT protocol (Dolby Metadata-Enhanced Audio Transmission) to maintain a continuous HDMI connection between Apple TV and connected AV receivers or soundbars. The audio is transmitted as uncompressed LPCM with Dolby Atmos metadata. This is intended to prevent problems that have occurred so far when switching between different audio formats – for example, when switching from system sound to a movie soundtrack.

Fixed problems with 5.1 sound

Users have frequently reported audio problems with Apple TV in recent years, especially in combination with Sonos soundbars. Symptoms included too quiet 5.1 PCM audio, disruptive popping noises, volume fluctuations, and brief silence when playback started. These problems are due to HDMI handshake difficulties that arose from constant switching between audio formats.

With the continuous Dolby MAT connection, these format changes are eliminated. Initial user reports confirm that 5.1 content is now played back at the same volume as Atmos material. However, there are also new problems: with stereo content, some Sonos systems incorrectly interpret the signal as a surround mix, resulting in the center channel being missing. Since tvOS 26.4 is still in the beta phase, further improvements are likely to follow.

iTunes apps removed after more than two years

In parallel with the audio feature, Apple has completely removed the iTunes Movies and iTunes TV Shows apps from tvOS. As early as October 2023, the company announced that it would bundle the video services in the Apple TV app. With tvOS 17.2 in December 2023, the apps were initially provided with redirection messages. Now they have completely disappeared – on both Apple TV 4K and the Apple TV HD.

The iTunes wishlist is also affected, which Apple announced via email to users in February 2026. Anyone who had saved movies or series for later purchase should transfer the entries to the watchlist in the Apple TV app. All previously purchased content remains accessible in the Apple TV app – there is no risk of losing access.

Availability and outlook

The Developer Beta 1 of tvOS 26.4 was released on February 16, 2026, and Public Beta 1 followed on February 17. Apple typically releases tvOS 26.4 after several beta phases – the final version is expected in mid to late March 2026. The Continuous Audio Connection is available on both Apple TV 4K and the older Apple TV HD.

Older AV receivers might incorrectly display the continuous Dolby MAT connection as an active Atmos signal. However, Apple emphasizes that the original audio mix is not changed by this. Users with known compatibility issues – for example, with the Sony STR-ZA1100ES – report significant improvements.

tvOS 26.4 follows tvOS 26.3, which Apple released in mid-February 2026 with extensive security fixes.

(mki)