On October 20, 2025, Apple introduced the fourth developer beta versions of watchOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and visionOS 26.1, signaling that these updates are nearing their official release. This latest beta cycle has been notably sparse in terms of user-facing features. One of the few visible changes includes a redesigned Apple TV app icon in tvOS, aligning with the recent rebranding of Apple TV+.
The scarcity of new features at this stage suggests that Apple may be reserving additional enhancements for the final release. This is particularly relevant for tvOS 26.1, as rumors indicate that new Apple TV 4K hardware is on the horizon. If Apple unveils this hardware in the coming weeks, the anticipated A17 Pro chip could introduce the first Apple Intelligence features to tvOS.
However, with the recent launch of M5 products, including the iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro, the exact timing of the new Apple TV hardware release remains uncertain. While this week seems unlikely due to the arrival of these products in stores, the following week or early November appears to be a plausible window for the launch.
As Apple continues to refine these updates, users are encouraged to provide feedback on the performance and any issues encountered with the 26.1 releases for tvOS and watchOS.
