Apple has recently rebranded its streaming service from Apple TV+ to simply Apple TV, aiming to establish a more unified and dynamic brand identity. This rebranding is accompanied by a series of design enhancements, notably the introduction of a vibrant new app icon in the upcoming iOS 26.1 and tvOS 26.1 updates.
The latest developer beta releases of iOS 26.1 and tvOS 26.1 offer a preview of this refreshed iconography. The new Apple TV app icon now features a colorful gradient, moving away from the previous white-to-gray design. This change aligns with Apple’s broader Liquid Glass design philosophy, which emphasizes translucency and layering to create a more immersive user experience.
The evolution of the Apple TV app icon reflects a return to more colorful designs reminiscent of earlier iterations that incorporated blues and greens. The current update introduces a spectrum of colors, drawing parallels to the recent Siri redesign, which also embraced a multicolored aesthetic.
This visual transformation is part of a larger effort to enhance the Apple TV app’s interface. In previous updates, such as iOS 26 and tvOS 26, Apple introduced vertical poster art and increased content density, allowing users to view more shows and movies simultaneously. The integration of the Liquid Glass design elements further refines the app’s appearance, offering transparent controls that float above the content without obstructing the viewing experience.
The rebranding and design updates coincide with Apple’s strategic move to consolidate its video offerings. By phasing out the dedicated iTunes Movie Store and integrating its functionalities into the Apple TV app, Apple aims to streamline content access and provide a more cohesive user experience. This consolidation reflects a broader industry trend towards unified platforms that simplify content discovery and consumption.
As Apple continues to refine its services and interfaces, the introduction of the vibrant Apple TV app icon signifies a commitment to both aesthetic appeal and functional improvement. Users can anticipate a more engaging and seamless experience as these updates roll out in the forthcoming software releases.
