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Apple TV

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Apple TV keeps producing hit series and films.

Apple TV is a subscription-based video streaming service launched in 2019. It offers a variety of original TV shows, movies, documentaries, and other content produced by Apple and its partners.

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on Apple TV:

World Cup get you hooked on soccer? Apple TV has your fix.

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An image of soccer players on an orange background with the words,
Major League Soccer returns this Thursday, ready to capitalize on World Cup buzz.
Image: Apple TV

Major League Soccer returns to Apple TV on Thursday with the resumption of regular-season play after a break for FIFA World Cup insanity. That’s great news for soccer fans new and old.

If you got hooked on the sport after watching World Cup matches during Major League Soccer’s monthlong break, tune into Apple TV for your fix. You should see some familiar faces on the field.

Apple TV rakes in Emmy nominations — Widow’s Bay scores 19 and Pluribus lands 18

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Apple TV Emmy nominations: A huge haul thanks to Widow's Bay and Pluribus
Apple TV made a big Emmy splash, with Widow's Bay and Pluribus leading the way.
Graphic: Apple TV/ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple TV delivered one of the biggest stories of Wednesday morning’s 2026 Emmy nominations, with freshman hits Widow’s Bay and Pluribus emerging as two of the most-honored series of the year.

The streamer’s total? A whopping 87 Emmy nominations, up from its previous high of 81 last year.

The new horror-comedy Widow’s Bay earned an impressive 19 Primetime Emmy nominations, while Vince Gilligan’s sci-fi drama Pluribus picked up 18. Those totals put both Apple TV originals among the most-nominated shows across all television, trailing only HBO Max’s The Pitt (25 nominations) and Hacks (24).

Eddy Cue wins 2026 Entertainment Person of the Year award

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Eddy Cue wins 2026 Entertainment Person of the Year
Cannes Lions CEO Simon Cook presented Cue with the award.
Photo: Apple

Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services and health, walked away from the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in France on Saturday with one of the industry’s most coveted individual honors: the 2026 Entertainment Person of the Year award. It’s a big win for the person in charge of Apple TV.

3 reasons to watch Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed on Apple TV

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Photo of Tatiana Maslany from Apple TV series
If you don't know Tatiana Maslany yet, this show is some of her best work.
Photo: Apple

Apple TV’s newest dark-comedy-thriller, Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, may already stand as the platform’s most compelling series of 2026. If you haven’t started streaming the hard-to-classify series yet, here are three compelling reasons to try it tonight.

I mean, hey, none other than bestselling novelist Stephen King said to watch it, basically.

Will your Apple TV run tvOS 27? Two models won’t get the new features.

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A photo of Apple TV used in a story about tvOS 27 compatible devices.
Two Apple TV models may be left behind as tvOS 27 arrives.
Photo: Apple

Apple WWDC26: Apple’s tvOS 27 brings a few new features, but it also will leave two Apple TV models behind. According to Apple’s developer website, the tvOS 27 beta is compatible with “Apple TV 4K (2nd generation or later).”

That would mean the Apple TV HD and the Apple TV 4K (1st generation) won’t get the update. If you own either of those set-top boxes, you’re probably stuck on tvOS 26, with no new features coming.

3 reasons to watch Widow’s Bay on Apple TV

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3 reasons to watch Widow's Bay on Apple TV
Every New England fisherman dreads the Sea Hag's embrace. And so will you.
Photo: Apple

There’s a moment in the second episode of Widow’s Bay on Apple TV when Mayor Tom Loftis, played by Emmy winner Matthew Rhys, sits in the lobby of a deeply haunted New England island inn and shares drinks and a board game with a stranger. They chat about his upbringing, his dreams for the town, his failures as a father. It sounds cozy. But it isn’t.

Something is very, very wrong with his companion — and with the room itself — and the horror creeps in so gradually and so quietly that by the time it fully lands, you realize you’ve been holding your breath. That scene, in miniature, is what Widow’s Bay is: a show that disarms you with warmth and wit before the floor drops out.

As a born-and-bred New Englander who inexplicably returned to this accursed place after 30 years away, I found the show got me pretty good. 

Apple TV streams first major live pro sports event shot only on iPhone

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MLS match captured entirely on iPhone 17 Pro
When you watch the match, remember that everything you see came through iPhone 17 Pro (actually many of them).
Photo: Apple

This Saturday, Apple TV will make broadcast history when it streams a live Major League Soccer match captured entirely on iPhone 17 Pro. It marks the first use of just a smartphone to shoot a whole major professional live sporting event, the iPhone giant said Thursday.

Apple TV’s The Studio becomes most-awarded new comedy in history

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The Studio: Most awarded new comedy ever
On Sunday The Studio became the first new comedy to sweep all major awards.
Photo: Apple

Apple TV’s Hollywood satire The Studio cemented its place in television history, claiming the International category at Sunday’s 2026 BAFTA Television Awards in London — the final major prize needed to complete the most dominant awards run ever achieved by a debut comedy series.

“The historic journey of ‘The Studio’ has been nothing short of astounding,” said Matt Cherniss, Apple TV’s head of programming. “The show’s sweeping success is a testament to the extraordinary talent, creativity and innovation of Seth, Evan and the entire creative team and cast.”

“The series has resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, bringing laughter to millions,” he added. “We couldn’t be prouder of the team’s monumental achievement and the way ‘The Studio’ has redefined what’s possible for comedy on a global scale.”

Netflix’s AI experiment gives us a glimpse of Apple TV 4K’s future (we hope)

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Image of Netflix user interface on a large-screen TV, used to illustrate a story about Netflix's AI voice search, currently in beta.
Netflix cooked up an AI voice search that makes Apple TV seem extra-feeble.
Image: Netflix

Netflix is testing a powerful new AI voice search that shows just how badly the Apple TV 4K needs an upgrade. Currently limited to a handful of users, Netflix’s new AI-powered tool lets users search for content conversationally. And instead of searching for something simple like a movie genre or specific title, they can ask Netflix for entertainment that fits their current mood.

For example, users can ask for something like “find me something that’s emotional but not too long” or “a romantic comedy with a few episodes.”

It’s a real game changer, according to a beta tester who gained early access. When Apple’s long-delayed Siri upgrade finally arrives, it could provide a similar — or even better — experience on Apple TV 4K.

Today in Apple history: iTunes puts the hurt on DVDs

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iTunes movie
iTunes getting day-and-date releases for new movies was a big deal.
Photo: Apple

May 1: Today in Apple history: iTunes begins selling digital movies on same day as DVD release May 1, 2008: The iTunes Store takes a gigantic step toward cinematic relevancy, selling new movies on the day of their DVD releases for the very first time.

“We’re thrilled to bring iTunes Store customers new films for purchase day-and-date with the DVD release,” says Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of iTunes, in a press release. “We think movie fans will love being able to buy their favorites from major and independent studios.”

Movies out that week include Cloverfield, Juno, Alvin and the Chipmunks and American Gangster.

Netflix overhauls iPhone app with vertical video feed, redesigned navigation

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redesigned Netflix iPhone app
Hopefully this won't piss users off like Netflix's Apple TV app did.
Photo: Netflix

A redesigned Netflix iPhone app brings a cleaner interface, revamped navigation and an entirely new vertical video discovery feature called Clips, the streamer said Thursday.

We’ll see how Apple users receive the update. The recent revamp of Netflix’s app for Apple TV, which switched from a native tvOS player to a custom one that blocked Apple TV features, didn’t go over well. 

Apple TV overdrive: F1 Miami Grand Prix packs live streams, new shows and events

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F1 Miami Grand Prix on Apple TV
Apple TV goes all in F1 Miami Grand Prix coverage May 1 -3.
Photo: Apple

Formula 1 racing returns the United States this weekend with the F1 Miami Grand Prix on Apple TV. And Apple decided to pull out all the stops to make sure fans experience it not just on Apple TV, but across multiple platforms, the iPhone giant said Wednesday.

The Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026 streams exclusively on Apple TV beginning Friday. You can see every session — from Practice through Sunday’s race — live and on demand. And there’s a lot more going on, too. 

Pluribus among 5 Apple TV titles up for prestigious Peabody Awards

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Peabody
The Peabody Awards are considered to be equivalent to Pulitzer Prizes, but for TV, radio and online media.
Photo: Apple TV

Apple TV scored five nominations for the 86th Annual Peabody Awards, the streamer said Thursday. Nods spanned entertainment, documentary and children’s programming categories.

The nominated titles — Pluribus, Come See Me in the Good Light, Mr. Scorsese, Vietnam: The War That Changed America and Shape Island — are all currently streaming on Apple TV.

Viewer beware: Worst-rated Apple TV shows and movies

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The Family Plan 2 movie
Mark Wahlberg and Kit Harington star in The Family Plan 2. But maybe leave it off your viewing queue.
Photo: Apple TV

Apple TV built a reputation as a quality-first streamer. It gave us Severance, Ted Lasso, Slow Horses, and the first Best Picture Oscar from a streamer, 2022’s CODA. But even Apple can’t promise a universal guarantee of quality. Over the years, a handful of originals have landed with a thud, panned by critics, dismissed by audiences or both. See the eight worst-reviewed Apple TV shows and movies below.

Today in Apple history: Apple TV makes its big-screen debut

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Apple TV did not become an instant smash hit.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

March 21: Today in Apple history: Apple launches the Apple TV March 21, 2007: Apple launches the Apple TV, a gleaming-white set-top box with a remote control, for bringing iTunes media to the living room.

Unfortunately, the device lacks key features needed to make it a killer entertainment system. It’s something of a missed opportunity for Apple.

Ted Lasso‘s Coach Beard drops hint about season 4

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Episode 1. Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt and Jason Sudeikis in
Roy Kent (played by Brett Goldstein, left), Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt) and Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) take stock of their team’s situation.
Photo: Apple TV

Coach Lasso’s right-hand man Coach Beard returns in upcoming season four of fan-favorite soccer comedy Ted Lasso, and Apple TV dropped a quick clip Friday seemingly confirming a main plot line. They will coach a Richmond women’s soccer team this season. 

“Same Beard. New book,” said the short video’s caption. The book’s title? Soccer Women.

Apple TV revs up Formula 1 racing content [Starts this weekend!]

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Apple TV revs up Formula 1 content
Multiview functionality comes with Apple TV's Formula 1 racing content.
Photo: Apple

This weekend Apple TV’s Formula 1 racing content gets into gear, as practice, qualifying and Sprint sessions for the season’s first major Grand Prix race get underway starting Saturday (March 7), Apple said Thursday. Multiview programming, with a handful of live feeds onscreen at the same time, looks like a notable feature for fans in the United States.

“This weekend marks the start of a new era for Formula 1 fans in the U.S.,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services. “We’re excited to bring every moment of the season to Apple TV, delivering an immersive experience designed entirely around fans.”

Godzilla and Kong battle Titan X in Monarch season 2

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Monarch Season 2: Now streaming!
Kaiju battle! Godzilla and Kong must face Titan X in Apple TV’s Monarch season 2, now streaming.
Image: Apple TV

The giant monster action of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters returned on Friday with season two stomping onto Apple TV. The series is set in the MonsterVerse that includes Godzilla and other kaiju, with Kong taking a giant-size role in the season that just premiered. Plus there’s a new Titan X to battle with.

Watch the new season two now on Apple TV, or get caught up with season one.

Apple TV’s For All Mankind spinoff Star City gives off serious Soviet vibes

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Star City season 1
Rhys Ifans stars in Star City, from the creators of For All Mankind. It premieres May 29, 2026 on Apple TV.
Photo: Apple

Star City is an ambitious new Apple TV drama set in the Soviet space program. It expands the alternate-history universe established by the streamer’s acclaimed series For All Mankind. And the new show got the “first-look” treatment Thursday, when Apple sent out a new photo to get fans excited about the premiere of Star City season one.

 The eight-episode series debuts May 29 with two episodes, followed by one new episode each Friday through July 10.

Earth-Mars tensions flare in For All Mankind season 5 [New Apple TV trailer]

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For All Mankind season 5
Has Happy Valley on Mars finally grown too big for its britches? Some people on Earth are up in arms.
Photo: Apple TV

Earth almost seems to have a “make Earth great again” moment in the new For All Mankind season five trailer Apple TV released Tuesday. Happy Valley, the burgeoning Mars colony that the alternative-history drama depicts, needs so much funding and resources it’s starting to piss people off — on both planets. 

The new trailer, full of new characters and aging favorites, ratchets up the tension for the upcoming 10 episodes. Season 5 debuts on Friday, March 27 on Apple TV. 

MLS kicks off 2026 season on Apple TV with new features and World Cup spotlight

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MLS kicks off 2026 season on Apple TV
Opening weekend matches are all free to Apple TV subscribers.
Photo: Apple

Major League Soccer’s 31st season gets underway Saturday, with all 30 clubs taking the pitch for MLS is Back weekend. And Apple TV subscribers will have a front-row seat to all of it, with all 13 matches available and no blackouts across more than 100 countries and regions, Apple said.

“All eyes are on North America this year as the MLS season kicks off this week and the World Cup approaches,” said Thomas Müller, Vancouver Whitecaps FC attacking midfielder and 2014 FIFA World Cup champion. I’m excited to begin my first full season in MLS, help the team build on what we started, and give fans everywhere the chance to follow our journey on Apple TV.”

Apple nabs full rights to Severance, eyes franchise expansion

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Severance franchise expansion
Not only is season three on the way, but now there could be up to five seasons and multiple spinoff series.
Photo: Apple TV

Apple has taken full ownership of its hit workplace drama series Severance, acquiring all intellectual property and rights from production studio Fifth Season in a deal valued at just under $70 million, according to a new report. That makes additional seasons of the fan-favorite show — and spinoff series — more likely. 

Apple TV unveils hot 2026 lineup of series, movies and live sports

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Apple TV 2026 programming lineup
Apple TV packs a full slate for 2026.
Photo: Apple

Apple TV showcased its ambitious 2026 slate Wednesday at an exclusive press event, revealing a packed calendar of new and returning series, original films and expanded live sports coverage including Formula 1 racing, Major League Soccer and Friday Night Baseball.

The streamer plans to release new originals every week in 2026, headlined by the highly anticipated fourth season of Ted Lasso this summer. Watch trailers below.

Ditch those extra remotes: How to control sound bar volume with Apple TV’s Siri Remote

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One Remote To Rule Them All
All hail the mighty Siri Remote.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

You can set up your Apple TV’s Siri Remote to control the volume levels of a separate sound system. It might not work out of the box. But with a little poking around in Settings, you can set it up so you can use the convenient volume buttons built into the Siri Remote to control sound bars, etc.

That means you won’t need to keep two or three remotes lying around — you can make it all work from just one. It just takes a little setup.