AllYouCanTech

**tvOS 26.4 Beta 1: The Elimination of Legacy iTunes Apps for Movies and TV Shows**

This week, Apple introduced the initial beta of tvOS 26.4, confirming the expected removal of the Movies and TV Shows applications from iTunes. This adjustment coincides with Apple’s ongoing efforts to unify media content within the TV app, a strategy that has been evolving for some time.

### Legacy iTunes Apps for Movies and TV Shows Absent from tvOS 26.4

In anticipation of this beta release, Apple began informing users about the phase-out of the iTunes Store’s ‘Wish List’ feature, which enabled users to bookmark media items for possible future acquisition. As iTunes has experienced a decrease in usage, the removal of this feature was anticipated. Apple has suggested that users who depended on the Wish List shift to utilizing the Watchlist feature within the TV app.

The timing of these modifications appears to be intentional, as Apple has been urging users to make use of the TV app for accessing their purchased content. With the rollout of tvOS 26.4, the separate Movies and TV Shows applications have been officially removed from both Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD devices.

The features previously provided by these applications have largely been absorbed into the TV app, which has been the main platform for media consumption on Apple devices for several years. The only significant exception to this integration was the Wish List feature, which, although still available in the iOS 26.4 beta 1, may face changes in subsequent updates.

For users on Apple TV, the elimination of the iTunes Wish List signifies that they will no longer have direct access to their saved items through the platform, highlighting a notable shift in how Apple oversees media purchases and user preferences.

### Conclusion

As Apple continues to refine its services and concentrate on the TV app, users may need to adjust to these developments. The removal of the dedicated Movies and TV Shows applications raises concerns regarding user experience and the future of media consumption on Apple devices. User feedback on these changes will likely influence Apple’s strategy moving forward.

Apple TV is elevating its sports portfolio, starting with the Major League Soccer (MLS) season, which commences this weekend. For the first time, all MLS games will be accessible for free to Apple TV subscribers, removing the previous necessity for a separate subscription known as the MLS Season Pass.

This update seeks to enhance the reach and appeal of MLS, enabling fans globally to view every game beginning Saturday, February 21. Apple has also unveiled a promotional video to build enthusiasm for the forthcoming season.

Alongside MLS, Apple TV will soon broadcast all Formula 1 races in the U.S., further broadening its sports offerings. The subscription for Apple TV costs $12.99 monthly, with reduced pricing options available through the Apple One package.

This initiative is anticipated to draw a larger number of soccer enthusiasts to the platform, offering a strong incentive to keep their subscriptions active.

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Destination for Daily Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly changing tech landscape, keeping up with the latest updates is essential, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily offers a simple way to stay informed on the most significant events impacting the Apple ecosystem. This daily podcast provides brief summaries of the day’s leading stories, ensuring that listeners are knowledgeable without the hassle of going through countless articles.

**What is 9to5Mac Daily?**

9to5Mac Daily is a podcast dedicated to the newest trends in Apple news, products, and services. Each episode is produced on weekdays, presenting a fresh summary of notable events, product releases, software enhancements, and industry perspectives. The podcast is available on numerous platforms, including iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, and through a dedicated RSS feed for other podcast applications.

**Why Listen to 9to5Mac Daily?**

1. **Brief Information**: The podcast aims to offer listeners a quick summary of the most pertinent news, making it simple to remain informed without investing too much time in reading.

2. **Expert Insights**: Hosted by savvy professionals in the tech industry, listeners receive insights that extend beyond the news headlines, including analysis and consequences of the updates.

3. **Wide Accessibility**: With episodes offered on a variety of platforms, listeners can select their preferred way to access content, whether while commuting or relaxing at home.

4. **Ad-Free Listening**: Those who subscribe to 9to5Mac Daily Plus can enjoy episodes without ads along with extra content, improving the listening experience.

**How to Subscribe**

Subscribing to 9to5Mac Daily is simple. Interested listeners can head over to the 9to5Mac website or look for the podcast in their favorite podcast app. By subscribing, you ensure that new episodes arrive automatically, keeping you informed with minimal hassle.

**Engagement and Feedback**

Listeners are invited to express their opinions and provide feedback. The 9to5Mac team appreciates community engagement and encourages listeners to connect via email or leave ratings on podcast platforms. This interaction contributes to enhancing the content and nurtures a sense of community among Apple aficionados.

**Conclusion**

For anyone eager to stay updated on Apple news, 9to5Mac Daily is an essential resource. With its succinct format, expert perspectives, and accessibility, it serves both casual listeners and passionate Apple supporters. Tune in daily to make sure you never miss a moment in the constantly changing realm of Apple technology.

**tvOS 26.4: Upgrades and the New “Continuous Audio Connection” Option**

Apple’s latest tvOS update, version 26.4, has introduced considerable modifications, notably the elimination of the iTunes Movies and TV Shows applications from the Apple TV ecosystem. Nonetheless, one of the most prominent new features is the “Continuous Audio Connection” option, aimed at improving audio playback experiences for users, particularly those using Sonos speakers along with AV receivers.

### Comprehending the “Continuous Audio Connection” Option

Apple defines the “Continuous Audio Connection” option as a capability that employs a Dolby MAT (Metadata-enhanced Audio Transmission) connection. This connection is intended to deliver seamless audio playback across different formats. Although older receivers might display an Atmos connection, the original audio mixes will remain intact, allowing users to enjoy the content as it was meant to be experienced by the creators.

### Responding to User Feedback

The launch of this option seems to be a direct reaction to feedback from Apple TV users who have encountered audio problems, especially with Sonos speakers. Numerous users reported hearing popping sounds or facing low volume levels while playing specific channels, particularly with 5.1-channel content.

Feedback from the Sonos subreddit suggests that activating the “Continuous Audio Connection” option has fixed these problems for many users. One user mentioned, “I can confirm that this function resolved my issues with 5.1 multichannel PCM content being significantly quieter than Atmos content. My 5.1 content sounds just as impressive as Atmos now.” Another user supported this view, emphasizing the enhancement in audio quality.

Previously, users had to turn off eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) and permit their televisions to recode audio to Dolby Digital Plus or enforce Dolby Digital within the Apple TV settings to alleviate these audio concerns. With the new option, these workarounds are no longer required.

### Possible New Challenges

In spite of the advantages, some users have indicated that the “Continuous Audio Connection” option might introduce new difficulties, particularly with stereo content. Conversations in various forums suggest that while the option fixes problems related to multichannel audio, it could complicate playback of stereo audio formats.

### Final Thoughts

To sum up, the “Continuous Audio Connection” option in tvOS 26.4 provides a promising remedy for users facing audio issues with Sonos speakers and Apple TV. While it has effectively tackled many complaints regarding 5.1-channel content, it may also result in new challenges for stereo playback. As the update is now available to developer and public beta users, further adjustments are anticipated as Apple continues to collect feedback throughout the testing phase.

**iOS 27: Expected Interface Adjustments and Fresh Design Leadership**

iOS 27 is poised to bring modifications to the iPhone’s interface, though these alterations are unlikely to be as comprehensive as those introduced in iOS 26. As reported by Mark Gurman’s *Power On* newsletter, Apple is focusing on artificial intelligence and bug resolutions in this forthcoming release, while also planning some interface adjustments.

### Interface Adjustments in iOS 27

Gurman indicates that while major UI revisions similar to last year’s Liquid Glass debut are not expected, the occurrence of any interface alterations is significant. Traditionally, iOS experiences subtle visual and functional updates each year, and iOS 27 will follow suit. Notably, these modifications will represent the first significant changes since a major shift in Apple’s design leadership.

### A New Chapter in Design Leadership

In December, Alan Dye, Apple’s previous VP of Human Interface Design, left for Meta, resulting in the promotion of Steve Lemay, a 26-year Apple veteran, to take his place. CEO Tim Cook commended Lemay’s vast expertise and his impact on Apple’s design philosophy. This leadership change has sparked enthusiasm within the company, and iOS 27 will be the inaugural platform to highlight Lemay’s influence.

### User Experience Improvements

As an advocate of Liquid Glass, users are anticipating specific enhancements in iOS 27. For example, issues like tab bars vanishing during scrolling and playback controls in Music and Podcasts interfering with critical functions are areas where improvements could greatly enhance user experience.

### Conclusion

The interface modifications in iOS 27 are likely to embody Steve Lemay’s design priorities and style, setting them apart from his predecessor’s vision. As excitement grows for the new updates, users are urged to contribute their desired changes for Liquid Glass and other interface features in the comments. The upcoming release is set to be an exhilarating phase in Apple’s design journey.