Apple TV deserves a better operating system than tvOS

With WWDC approaching, here are some ways Apple's least-loved platform can get a much-needed upgrade.

- DAN MOREN

Year after year, one Apple operating system ends up getting short shrift when the company announces its annual updates at the Worldwide Developers Conference. While iOS, macOS, and iPadOS all show off their shiny new features, an overlooked sibling is left sitting sadly on the bench, waiting for its chance to shine-a chance that never seems to come.

I speak, of course, of tvOS.

And yet, tvOS is far from an also-ran when it comes to my household. A few years back I switched to consuming pretty much all my content through the Apple TV, and it's put me in a contradictory situation when it comes to the set-top box: appreciative of how quietly and competently it does its job, and all too aware of where it could be so much better.

OFF THE GRID

The internet is abuzz with rumors that the next version of iOS (fave.co/4ctowTz) will allow for further Home screen customization, enabling you to put icons wherever you want.

But will no one think of poor tvOS? Not only do its apps remain trapped in the prison of a grid, but it's never even gotten any of the other customizable Home screen features that the iPhone, iPad, or Mac have in recent years.