With tvOS 26, Apple TV lets users designate any AirPlay-enabled wireless speakers as default output

tvOS 26 brings a vibrant look to Apple TV, delivering a fresh and expressive experience.
With tvOS 26, Apple TV is expanding its audio capabilities by adding support for third-party wireless audio gear, allowing users to create wireless home theater systems without relying on HomePods. Previously, only HomePod or HomePod mini could be set as permanent audio outputs for Apple TV 4K. Now, users can designate any AirPlay-compatible speaker—such as those from Sonos, Bose, or Bang & Olufsen—as the default audio output directly from the Apple TV Settings app. Once configured, the system retains this setting even after powering down, ensuring a seamless audio experience without the need for manual reconnection each time. This update, set to roll out in September 2025, enhances flexibility for home theater setups, supporting brands like KEF and Audioengine, and eliminates the need for HDMI or eARC connections for wireless audio. However, system and game audio may still route through TV speakers, and it’s unclear if stereo pairing of third-party speakers is supported for immersive setups.
Ian White for ecoustics:
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That means when you turn on your TV, sound will automatically play through your chosen speaker — no more re-connecting every time. Until now, this level of integration was limited to Apple’s own HomePod and HomePod mini. Everyone else? Stuck in the “temporary connection” penalty box.
Why does this matter? Because most wireless speakers these days — from Sonos and Audioengine to KEF — support AirPlay. The feature update essentially gives you the freedom to build a legit wireless TV audio system without being handcuffed to Apple’s own hardware.
There’s no HDMI cable to snake around your media console. No eARC port to fight with. Just open up your Apple TV, link your AirPlay speaker, and boom — you’ve got wireless sound every time the system powers on.
This update turns your Apple TV into the central hub of a wireless home theater setup — no HDMI cables, no extra boxes, and no sacrifice in sound quality if your speakers are up to snuff. For those already invested in the AirPlay ecosystem, it’s a smart, frictionless upgrade that finally brings Apple’s “it just works” philosophy to your living room audio.

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MacDailyNews Take: Today, there are a ton of good AirPlay-enabled wireless speakers from which to choose!

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