tvOS 26.4 Beta Adds 'Continuous Audio Connection' to Fix Apple TV Audio Dropouts, Removes iTunes Apps

Apple is streamlining the Apple TV interface and addressing long-standing audio complaints with its latest software update. Following the release of the first tvOS 26.4 beta to developers earlier this week, developers have discovered that the legacy iTunes Movies and TV Shows apps have been removed entirely, while a new audio setting aims to fix playback glitches on external sound systems.



The standalone iTunes Movies and iTunes TV Shows apps are no longer present on the Home Screen. This consolidation moves all purchasing and rental functionality into the main Apple TV app, a shift Apple has been encouraging for years. With the removal of these dedicated apps, the legacy iTunes Wish List is also no longer accessible on the device. Users are instead directed to add titles to their Watchlist within the TV app to save them for later.


Beyond interface cleanup, the update introduces a potentially significant fix for home theater enthusiasts. A new toggle labeled "Continuous Audio Connection" has appeared in the audio settings. Apple states that when enabled, the Apple TV uses a Dolby MAT connection to provide "glitch-free playback across formats." The description notes that while older receivers might indicate an Atmos connection constantly, the original audio mixes will not be modified.

This setting appears designed to address HDMI handshake issues that can occur when the Apple TV switches between different audio formats, such as moving from a system sound to a movie soundtrack. By maintaining a persistent stream, the device can prevent the audio dropouts, popping sounds, and volume inconsistencies that have plagued some users, particularly those with Sonos soundbars and specific AV receivers.

Early reports from testers indicate that the feature successfully resolves an issue where 5.1 multichannel PCM audio played at significantly lower volumes than Atmos content. It also seems to eliminate the brief silence often heard at the start of playback while equipment syncs.

However, the implementation may have trade-offs. Because the setting encapsulates all audio in a Dolby MAT container to keep the connection active, some testers are reporting issues with stereo content. Specifically, there are reports of Sonos systems failing to output sound from the center channel during stereo playback because the speakers are treating the signal as a surround mix rather than standard stereo.


The new software arrives shortly after the public launch of tvOS 26.2, which introduced guest profiles, and tvOS 26.3, which brought performance and stability improvements.

Developers can download the beta now.