Dolby Atmos Comes to Apple TV 4K

Apple is bringing Dolby Atmos support to the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, giving the streaming box a surround-sound upgrade. The change is part of a software update, so owners can get the new audio feature without replacing their device.

Dolby Atmos adds a more immersive sound experience by allowing audio to seem as though it comes from around and above the listener, rather than only from channels positioned in front or beside them. On Apple TV 4K, support for the format means compatible movies and shows can offer sound that feels more enveloping when played through an Atmos-capable setup.

The update also places Apple TV 4K among devices that support Dolby Atmos playback. To hear the effect, viewers need compatible content and audio equipment; the feature does not change the picture or create surround sound from every program. For owners with the right setup, however, Atmos is a meaningful addition to the box’s home-entertainment capabilities.

Find a Misplaced Siri Remote

One of the more practical additions in tvOS 17 is a way to track down a misplaced Siri Remote using an iPhone. In Control Center, open the Apple TV Remote, then tap the prompt to find the remote. The iPhone screen shows whether you are getting closer or moving farther away, helping guide you to it.

The feature works with the second-generation Siri Remote and later models, which have a built-in location capability. It does not show a map or provide a precise distance; instead, the on-screen indicator gives you a sense of direction as you search. That makes it useful when the remote has slipped between couch cushions or been left somewhere nearby, though you still need to follow the clues and look around.

To use the feature, your iPhone needs to be running iOS 17, and the Apple TV needs tvOS 17. If the option does not appear, check that both devices have been updated and that you are using a supported remote. It is a small convenience, but one that can save time the next time the Siri Remote goes missing.

Other tvOS Updates

Alongside Dolby Atmos support and the ability to locate a misplaced Siri Remote, Apple’s tvOS update brought several other changes to the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K. The update added support for a new screen saver featuring views of Earth captured from the International Space Station. Owners could also see more information about those aerial views by tapping the Siri Remote.

Apple also made it possible to use the Apple TV remote included with some cable and satellite services to control the device. This offered an alternative to the Siri Remote for navigating Apple TV. The update further introduced automatic dark mode, which could switch the Apple TV’s appearance between light and dark based on the time of day.

For users with multiple Apple TVs, tvOS added a feature to sync the home screen layout and apps across devices. That meant changes to the arrangement on one Apple TV could be reflected on another. Together, these additions expanded the update beyond its headline features, offering new screen saver details, more control options and conveniences for households using more than one Apple TV.

What the Upgrade Means for Owners

The tvOS update adds several useful changes to the Apple TV 4K experience. Owners with compatible audio equipment can watch supported content with Dolby Atmos, bringing immersive, three-dimensional sound to the streaming box. The update also makes a misplaced Siri Remote easier to find: users can locate it with an iPhone, which helps when the remote is lost around the home.

Beyond sound and remote finding, tvOS introduces other changes to the viewing experience, including new screensavers and updates to the Apple TV app. Together, these additions make the box more capable without changing its role as a hub for streaming and entertainment. The benefits depend on the equipment and services an owner uses: Dolby Atmos requires compatible hardware and content, while locating the remote relies on an iPhone. For existing Apple TV 4K owners, the update brings new features to a device they already have, rather than requiring them to replace it.