Apple didn't have many new Apple TV or smart home announcements to announce at WWDC, but the few new features it announced offered real quality-of-life improvements. Here are some of the key features coming to Apple TV and Apple's smart home ecosystem this fall:
insight
One of my favorite features on Amazon Prime Video is X-Ray. If you pause what you're watching, you can see the actor on screen, the music playing at that moment, and other relevant information.
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery because InSight looks exactly like X-Ray. When watching an Apple Original series, you can swipe down on your TV remote to see the same kind of information, including actors and characters and the currently playing song. You can also add it to your Apple Music playlist with one tap.
If you don't want to disturb others who are watching, InSight information can be displayed in the iPhone Remote app.
Improved dialog support and subtitles
The Enhance Dialog feature introduced in tvOS 17 now uses machine learning algorithms to deliver even better voice clarity and works with more audio output types, including TV speakers, receivers, AirPods, or other Bluetooth devices.
Subtitles now appear intelligently when you mute the volume or skip back.
21:9 projector support and screen saver
Apple TV is typically optimized for 16:9 TVs, but this year Apple added support for projectors with an aspect ratio of 21:9.
apologize
There's a new aerial screensaver, but Apple is making it easier to choose between aerial photography, photos, a new People category, or a new TV & Movies category that includes scenes from Apple TV+ content. There's also a new animated Snoopy & Woodstock screensaver.
New smart home features
We've also made some improvements to the Home app. Support has been added for household vacuum cleaners, and you can finally share access to your locks, garage doors, and security systems with guests.
The new “Express Mode” unlock feature unlocks your door when you get within 6 feet of the door if you have a compatible door lock with Ultra WideBand and a compatible iPhone (11 or later) or Apple Watch (Series 6 or later).
The new Energy Reporting page in the Energy section shows your energy usage after you link your account to your electricity provider. Initially, Apple is only offering this feature through a partnership with PG&E in California, but should grow to support other providers as well.