Apple Releases tvOS 18.3.1 for Third-Generation Apple TV 4K - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Releases tvOS 18.3.1 for Third-Generation Apple TV 4K

Apple today released tvOS 18.3.1, the newest version of the tvOS 18 operating system that came out in September. tvOS 18.3.1 comes almost two months after the release of tvOS 18.3, and it is only available for the third-generation Apple TV 4K. Other ‌Apple TV‌ models will not have an update available.

tvOS 18 Thumb 3
tvOS 18.3.1 can be downloaded using the Settings app on the ‌‌Apple TV‌‌. Open up Settings and go to System > Software Update to get the new software. ‌‌Apple TV‌‌ owners who have automatic software updates activated will be upgraded to tvOS 18.3.1 automatically.

Apple shares full release notes for tvOS in its tvOS support document, which is updated after each new version of tvOS comes out. Today's update addresses an issue that could prevent playback of some streaming content on the third-generation ‌Apple TV‌ 4K.

Update: This article has been updated to note that the tvOS 18.3.1 software is only available for the third-generation ‌Apple TV‌ 4K.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...

Top Rated Comments

14 months ago
The update is only for the 3rd Generation models. From the release notes:

“This update addresses an issue that may prevent playback of some streaming content on Apple TV 4K (3rd generation).”
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Spock Avatar
14 months ago
I like the pictures posted with these releases. Good job to whoever makes them.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
14 months ago
Does this resolve the stupid Siri Remote skipping more than one option at a time with the right directional button …anyone else have this issue?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
14 months ago

The update is only for the 3rd Generation models. From the release notes:

“This update addresses an issue that may prevent playback of some streaming content on Apple TV 4K (3rd generation).”
this has been released to the atv hd 4th gen as well. here is the ipsw to prove it: https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2025WinterFCS/fullrestores/082-05839/77CD5E7E-6017-4698-AA9B-634651F7A8CE/AppleTV5,3_18.3.1_22K561_Restore.ipsw

confusing heh?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
14 months ago

I like the pictures posted with these releases. Good job to whoever makes them.
Shame they didn’t take as much care over the content of the article by reading and reporting on the release notes.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
14 months ago

The update is only for the 3rd Generation models. From the release notes:

“This update addresses an issue that may prevent playback of some streaming content on Apple TV 4K (3rd generation).”
Thank you! I wasn't sure why I wasn't getting an update until you cleared it up for me.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)