Apple has redesigned the Apple TV interface, giving one of the best streaming devices we've ever tested a major upgrade.

Starting yesterday (December 11), the Apple TV app will look and feel much different. The tech company has revamped the app as part of the tvOS 17.2 update, but it is not limited to just tvOS devices like the Apple TV 4K (2022). The update also adds some welcome features. [quick access to shortcuts to Apple original content, including Apple TV Plus and MLS Season Pass, as well as channels and apps, including streaming services such as Max, Disney Plus, Paramount Plus, and Prime Video. This makes it easier to find exactly the content you're looking for, and also has the added benefit of allowing Apple to highlight things you wish you were watching.

Aside from this sidebar, the other big update is the updated Store in the Apple TV app. This Store tab allows users to find TV shows and movies to buy or rent, and replaces the old iTunes Movies and iTunes Shows apps that had to be accessed on Apple TV devices prior to this tvOS 17.2 update.

In fact, these older iTunes apps will no longer function completely; on Apple TV HD or Apple TV 4K streaming devices, opening the iTunes Movies app and iTunes TV Shows app will redirect to the revamped Apple TV app The same thing happens when opening the iTunes Store app on an iPhone or iPad. Don't worry, you can find your purchases in the new apps.

While many of these updates are specific to Apple devices, the sidebar (or at least parts of it) is a universal upgrade. I just checked out the Apple TV app on my Samsung frame and I found a new sidebar with a refreshed design.

One feature missing from the sidebar is the ability to access channels and apps, which makes sense given that it is a smart TV app and not a tvOS app, but it doesn't add any additional functionality. After all, on a smart TV, the Apple TV app will only be used to watch Apple content and shows and movies purchased on the Apple TV. Still, even this streamlined version of the sidebar is a welcome addition to the Apple TV user interface.