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A Fresh Change for Apple TV Users
For nearly a decade, the iTunes Movies and iTunes TV Shows apps have lingered on Apple TV devices like relics from a bygone era. First introduced with the original tvOS in 2015, these apps once served as gateways to Apple’s movie rentals and purchases. But as Apple transitioned to the unified Apple TV app, they lost their purpose, becoming little more than placeholders cluttering the home screen. Now, with the release of tvOS 26 beta 6, Apple is finally giving users the power to hide them completely. This update not only declutters the interface but also signals Apple’s willingness to trim away digital deadweight. Here’s everything you need to know.
the Original Update
Apple’s iTunes Movies and iTunes TV Shows apps have been around since 2015, surviving long past their prime. In recent years, they’ve been practically redundant thanks to the Apple TV app, which centralizes streaming and purchased content. Since they’re system apps, users couldn’t delete them — the best workaround was to tuck them into a folder at the bottom of the screen.
With tvOS 26 beta 6, Apple introduces a simple method to hide them entirely from the home screen. After updating, users can:
1. Open Settings
2. Scroll to Apps
3. Select iTunes Movies or iTunes TV Shows
- Change the Home Screen option from Show to Hide
The icons then vanish, allowing a cleaner and more streamlined Apple TV experience. You can choose to hide one or both apps, depending on preference.
Although the change is manual for now, Apple could eventually make hiding these apps the default, especially for users without an active Wishlist. The update also introduces Apple Music Sing, a shortcut to the karaoke section inside the Music app, which can also be hidden in the same way if it’s not your style.
This small but impactful tweak marks a notable step in giving Apple TV users more customization power, ending years of frustration over unnecessary icons taking up valuable screen real estate.
What Undercode Say:
This update is more than just an interface cleanup — it’s part of a broader shift in Apple’s approach to user control and platform modernization. Here’s why it matters:
Decluttering the Digital Experience
Apple has always been known for clean design, but ironically, it’s been guilty of letting outdated system apps linger. The ability to hide iTunes Movies and TV Shows acknowledges that not all legacy features deserve a permanent spot.
A Subtle Push Toward the Apple TV App
By letting users bury these apps, Apple is reinforcing the Apple TV app as the central hub for all video content. It’s a way of nudging users toward its newer ecosystem without abruptly removing old features.
Custom Control Equals User Satisfaction
One of the biggest complaints about smart TVs is the inability to truly customize the interface. Apple’s change, while small, empowers users to make their home screen match their actual usage. This is a step toward parity with competing platforms like Roku and Fire TV, which already offer more flexible app management.
Beta Signals Bigger Changes Ahead
Since this is a beta release, Apple could roll out additional personalization options in the final build of tvOS 26. Possibilities include smart recommendations based on usage, or even a full-fledged “hide any system app” feature.
Apple Music Sing — A Fun Addition, but Not for Everyone
The inclusion of Apple Music Sing shows Apple is still experimenting with entertainment features. However, its quick ability to be hidden suggests Apple knows not every feature is universally appealing.
Brand Cohesion and Minimalism
Removing redundant apps keeps Apple’s brand image sharp. Every pixel on the Apple TV interface represents the company’s design philosophy — cutting clutter aligns perfectly with that identity.
Competitive Pressure
Other platforms have been improving their UI customization for years. If Apple didn’t act, it risked being seen as rigid and outdated. This move subtly answers that challenge.
A Glimpse at the Future of tvOS
If Apple is willing to retire and hide these apps now, we could see more aggressive streamlining in the future, possibly including full removal of obsolete software or more dynamic home screen layouts.
✅ Fact Checker Results
True: The feature to hide iTunes Movies and TV Shows is available in tvOS 26 beta 6.
True: Apple Music Sing is a new app shortcut in this update.
True: These apps remain visible by default unless manually hidden.
🔮 Prediction
In the next 12–18 months, Apple will likely expand this hiding functionality to more system apps, giving users near-total control over the home screen. The iTunes apps might quietly disappear from default setups altogether, signaling the official end of their lifecycle. Apple could also use this opportunity to roll out a major home screen redesign in tvOS 27, aligning it even closer with its minimalist design vision.
🕵️📝✔️Let’s dive deep and fact‑check.
References:
Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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