Apple today released tvOS 9.1, the first major update to the tvOS operating system that runs on the fourth-generation Apple TV. tvOS 9.1 has been in testing since November 3, just a few days after the final version of tvOS was released alongside the new Apple TV in October.
tvOS 9.1 can be downloaded over-the-air through the Settings app on the fourth-generation Apple TV by going to System --> Software Update.
tvOS 9.1 betas introduced support for Siri search for Apple Music, allowing fourth-generation Apple TV owners to ask Siri to play content from Apple Music. Siri for Apple Music on the Apple TV works similarly to Siri for Apple Music on iOS devices, enabling queries like "What was the top song in 1980?" or "Play Adele's latest single." It is not yet clear if this feature made it into the final version of tvOS 9.1.
The tvOS update includes several bug fixes for issues discovered in the current version of tvOS, and according to beta testing notes, it features improvements to networking and scrolling.
tvOS 9.1 is the first major update to tvOS, but it's the second update overall. Apple previously released tvOS 9.0.1 with under-the-hood bug fixes and performance improvements.
Update: According to Apple's release notes for tvOS 9.1, the update includes support for the Remote app for iOS and Apple Watch and it introduces Siri support for Apple Music on the device.
This update includes general software and performance improvements and these features:
- Siri for Apple Music: Search, play, and control your music on Apple TV.2
- Remote app for iOS: Use your iOS device to quickly enter text on screen and navigate Apple TV.
- Remote app for Apple Watch: Use your Apple Watch to navigate Apple TV.
