This week saw the release of iOS 18.4, which introduces a range of new features—including some notable enhancements to the Apple TV app. Here are three standout updates now available on your iPhone.
Fresh UI Elements for the TV App in iOS 18.4
It’s likely that Apple’s TV app has been experiencing higher usage than ever, thanks to shows like Severance, which has become the most viewed series on Apple TV+, and the emerging comedy, The Studio.
Upon installing iOS 18.4 and launching the TV app, users will notice some subtle yet pleasing modifications to the interface.
The updated TV app now includes three noteworthy enhancements:
- A large plus button on featured titles
- Enhanced episode release schedule information
- Redesigned fonts and icons
While these are mainly UI updates, my experience with iOS 18.4 suggests they significantly improve overall usability.
Insights on the TV App Enhancements
One of the most notable changes is the newly enlarged plus button for featured titles. At the top of the TV app, you’ll find a rotating selection of various TV shows and movies to explore.
In iOS 18.3, a small plus button was located in the upper-right corner for adding titles to your Watchlist.
However, in iOS 18.4, this button has been significantly enlarged and repositioned to make it hard to overlook, now located right next to the Play button.
For series that are currently airing new episodes, iOS 18.4 emphasizes the release schedule more prominently compared to earlier versions.
In the past, the app displayed description text beneath the show’s title, sometimes incorporating information about the release of new episodes.
Now, iOS 18.4 highlights this information by placing it in a dedicated banner above the title. For instance, with Apple’s new thriller, Dope Thief, you’ll see ‘New Episodes Fridays’ directly above the name.
Additionally, the TV app has refreshed its fonts and icons throughout the interface. For instance, new icons have been introduced for the Movies Spotlight and Sports sections. The updated fonts aim to deliver a fresh, yet familiar appearance across the board.
While these updates might not be groundbreaking, they represent thoughtful enhancements that should improve the overall experience of the app.
You can subscribe to Apple TV+ for $9.99 per month, featuring popular shows and movies like Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Silo, and Shrinking.
