Linear TV continues rapidly declining, something that Tim Cook saw coming when he declared that the future of TV is apps.But Apple TV apps have always struggled from one core issue: signing into streaming accounts is a major pain.Here’s how tvOS 26 plans to solve that for Apple TV 4K users moving forward.
tvOS 26 has a fix coming for the clunky experience of logging into apps If you’re a linear TV user, switching to an Apple TV 4K with streaming apps can require a huge learning curve.Different accounts, different apps and credentials, and of course entering those credentials on your TV.Even for the most tech-savvy, it’s a clunky experience entering streaming app credentials using a TV remote.
tvOS has gradually added more features over the years to mitigate this issue.For example, you can now use a nearby iPhone’s keyboard instead of the tvOS keyboard, or authenticate purchases using another Apple product.The Apple TV app’s Channels initiative sought to make streaming easier than ever too, but struggled to get major partners on-board.
Apple’s latest attempt in tvOS 26 just might work.Automatic Sign-In is a big win for apps and users alike tvOS 26 introduces a new API that, once your favorite streaming app adopts it, could mean you never have to log into a streaming app on Apple TV again.Here are the details: Once Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and the like start supporting the new API in tvOS 26 and iOS 26, users will have a much smoother streaming experience across Apple devices.
You’ll be able to log in to Netflix once on your iPhone, then automatically get logged in on iPad, Apple TV 4K, and so on.Though normally there’s no guarantee third-party apps will adopt a new API, this one clearly brings tremendous benefit to both streaming services and users.If users can stream content more easily across their devices, engagement is more likely to go up.
And every streaming service is chasing increased engagement.Perhaps with tvOS 26, the days of needing to log into streaming apps on an Apple TV 4K will finally become a problem of the past.Outside of logging into apps, what are some of your other Apple TV 4K frustrations? Let us know in the comments.
Best Apple TV 4K and Home accessories
Anti-slip silicone case for Siri Remote, AirTag compatible
TotalMount for mounting Apple TV
AirPods Pro 2 (now just $199, down from $249)
HomeKit Garage Door Opener
TP-Link Tapo 2K camera with HomeKit Secure Video
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