Apple releases tvOS 18.1 and HomePod 18.1, here’s what to expect

3 weeks ago 8

Apple has released software updates for its two home products, the Apple TV 4K and HomePod. tvOS 18.1 and HomePod 18.1 are now available for download. Here’s what to expect.

Apple TV app adds new Watchlist feature

Overall, there’s not a lot new in today’s tvOS and HomePod updates. They are instead largely focused on bug fixes and performance improvements.

However, there is one noteworthy change debuting in Apple’s TV app in tvOS 18.1.

Up Next, the queue that tracks things you’re watching and have saved to watch later, is getting a name change to Continue Watching.

And more significantly, the app adds a new Watchlist section which contains some items from Continue Watching.

Essentially, you might expect Continue Watching and Watchlist to function like similar lists do in an app like Netflix. One meant for resuming shows and movies you’ve previously started, while the other is for saved selections.

Apple’s system works a little different, though. Continue Watching still contains everything it did before, in its ‘Up Next’ era. Everything you’re actively watching is available there, plus all the shows and movies you’ve saved.

But the Watchlist contains only those latter saved items. So you won’t see any TV shows or films you’ve already started. Only the ones that you’ve never watched at all.

If your Continue Watching section has grown too full, perhaps you’ll find some benefit from having a new, dedicated Watchlist too. Overall, it seems like a curious addition though.

Today’s software update releases

Apple has launched a variety of software updates today alongside these home-focused releases.

Here are all of today’s updates:

iOS 18.1
iPadOS 18.1
macOS Sequoia 15.1
visionOS 2.1
watchOS 11.1
tvOS 18.1
HomePod 18.1

The first three items on the list are the most exciting, as they introduce the first wave of Apple Intelligence features. With so much focus being placed on AI’s debut, Apple’s non-AI platforms don’t have much to offer this time around in terms of new features.

What do you think of the new Watchlist in the TV app? Let us know in the comments.