Spotify has officially unveiled a thoroughly reengineered version of its Apple TV application, a release that the company describes as having been completely reconstructed “from the ground up” to provide a viewing and listening experience that is faster, more intelligent, and strikingly more visual than before. This newly redesigned tvOS iteration of the Spotify platform inherits many of the beloved and practical capabilities already familiar to mobile users, expanding its functionality to the living room environment. Yet, the centerpiece of this upgrade lies in the substantial addition of two highly anticipated features: the integration of video podcasts and the introduction of full-length music videos, marking a significant step in Spotify’s broader strategy to merge audio and visual entertainment experiences under one seamless interface.
While a subset of users had early access to this version during a limited rollout over the past few days, the update has now become generally available for download through Apple’s App Store. Owners who have enabled automatic updates on their Apple TV devices can expect the refreshed interface and all of its new features to appear gradually—most likely completing distribution by mid-November. Historically, the earliest versions of the Spotify tvOS app were met with mixed reactions; long-time users often took to online communities such as Reddit to express dissatisfaction with what they perceived as cumbersome navigation, sluggish performance, and the curious absence of core features present on other streaming platforms, particularly the Google TV implementation. Spotify’s latest overhaul directly addresses many of these longstanding concerns, reflecting an evident responsiveness to user feedback and an eagerness to create parity across ecosystems.
At present, the ability to watch music videos directly within the app remains unavailable to users located in the United States and Canada, but the global rollout has already achieved impressive reach—expanding to ninety-seven international markets. In these regions, Spotify Premium subscribers can explore a developing catalog of official music videos, which can be instantly accessed through an intuitive “switch to video” prompt that appears whenever the track currently playing has a corresponding visual counterpart in Spotify’s growing repository. This interactive transition enhances both user engagement and artistic appreciation, opening a new dimension of multimedia storytelling on the platform.
Video podcasts within the redesigned Apple TV application will follow a similar model of accessibility and control. In addition to enabling users to visually engage with podcasts that support a video format, Spotify’s latest tvOS update also provides flexible playback options, including the capacity to modify the speed at which episodes are played—ideal for those who wish to tailor the experience to their viewing or listening preferences. Earlier this month, Spotify’s in-house podcast studio introduced a major creative partnership with Netflix and The Ringer, designed to bring sixteen original video podcast series directly to the Netflix platform in the United States beginning in 2026. These collaborations are set to feature some of Spotify’s most recognizable productions, including *The Bill Simmons Podcast* and other programs exploring the NFL, NBA, Fantasy Football, and Formula 1, highlighting the company’s commitment to enriching the intersection of sports, entertainment, and digital storytelling.
Beyond these headline features, the updated Apple TV app also benefits from several enhancements that mirror the functionality of Spotify’s mobile experience. Users can now manage their playback queue directly on the large screen, ensuring precise control over what plays next, and enjoy seamless transitions between songs or episodes without perceptible pauses. Additional conveniences include synchronized song lyrics displayed in real time and access to Spotify DJ, the artificial intelligence–driven tool that curates personalized recommendations to guide what users might want to hear next. Moreover, Spotify Connect integration enables effortless cross-device control—permitting the Apple TV playback to be managed remotely from a smartphone or tablet, combining convenience with technological sophistication.
In sum, Spotify’s redesigned Apple TV app represents a multidimensional improvement over its predecessor. It not only elevates the app’s performance and interface aesthetics but also significantly expands the ways in which users can engage with content, bridging the worlds of music, video, and intelligent recommendation. For both casual listeners and devoted enthusiasts seeking a richer audiovisual environment, this update transforms the familiar act of streaming into a far more immersive, interactive, and responsive experience within the comfort of home.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/807382/spotify-apple-tv-tvos-app-update-music-video-podcasts
