Why Apple TV Is Apple’s Least Favourite Device

Apple TV surely deserves a lot more

An image by the author.

Year after year after year, at WWDC, there’s one Apple operating system that consistently receives less attention than its counterparts during the annual updates. While iOS, macOS, and iPadOS showcase their new features, tvOS is often overlooked, remaining on the sidelines eagerly awaiting its chance to shine — a chance that seems elusive. It’s tvOS, of course.

I have been using Apple TV for over seven years now. From the third generation to the latest and greatest, Apple TV 4K, I’ve seen Apple TV come a long way, but only in terms of hardware. My Apple TV has been set up on an Android-based TV for a long time and it is frustrating to notice each time how well the default Android TV OS is compared to the Apple’s tvOS.

Here’s why I believe Apple TV is Apple’s least favourite device:

Far from the grid

The internet is buzzing with rumours suggesting that the next iteration of iOS will offer expanded Home screen customisation, potentially enabling users to place icons wherever they desire.

But amidst these discussions, little attention is given to poor tvOS. Not only are its apps confined to a grid-like structure, but it has yet to receive any of the customisable Home screen features introduced in recent years for the iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Take widgets, for instance. I’d appreciate the ability to replace some of the apps on my Home screen with widgets of my choosing. Whether it’s checking the weather, keeping track of the latest Red Sox game score, or monitoring a HomeKit video camera, having this flexibility would be welcomed.

It doesn’t necessarily have to be mandatory, but having the same control and options as on my other devices seems reasonable. What sets the TV apart that it’s excluded from these features?

In general, I find having a screen cluttered with 30 icons unnecessary. It’s already challenging to locate anything beyond the top rows. On my iPhone and iPad, I’ve utilised the App Library feature to declutter my Home screen; I can always access them via Spotlight if needed. Why not implement a similar feature on the Apple TV? Granted, it might require using Siri…