Apple launched iPadOS 18.2 beta 3 as we speak, and the replace introduces a pleasant addition for TV app customers. The Apple TV app now presents a customizable tab bar, slowly increasing the variety of apps with this energy consumer function.
Upgraded iPad tab bars slowly increasing
The variety of new options added in iPadOS 18 and subsequent updates is spectacular. However when Apple first launched the discharge at WWDC this June, it had little or no to share in regards to the replace.
That’s as a result of whereas iPad customers get highly effective additions like Apple Intelligence, new customization instruments, and upgrades to system apps—there’s not loads that’s iPad-exclusive.
One of many few iPad-only additions this yr is a new tab bar design for apps.
Thankfully, it’s extra thrilling than it sounds.
Apps can now provide a floating tab bar on the prime of the display, just like the design present in sure tvOS apps.
Whereas loads of Apple apps use the brand new floating design, only a few make the most of the brand new system’s greatest profit: consumer customization.
The place supported, customers can customise an app’s tab bar with the menu choices they care about most.
Within the Music app, for instance, I’ve added sure go-to playlists to my tab bar.
Now, within the iPadOS 18.2 beta, Apple has introduced customization to the TV app for the primary time.
Customizing the TV app’s tab bar in iPadOS 18.2
Lengthy-press on the TV app’s tab bar within the newest beta and also you’ll enter edit mode.
Apple enables you to add any sidebar merchandise to the tab bar. This contains:
- Channels & Apps, equivalent to Disney+, Max, and Peacock
- Library sections, like Current Purchases, Motion pictures, and extra
- and likewise the Sports activities tab
As soon as one thing has been added to the tab bar, you’ll have simpler entry to it transferring ahead.
Sadly, Apple doesn’t at present allow you to take away the default tab choices. So when you’re not an enormous soccer fan, for instance, MLS will proceed to take up area in your tab bar.
It’s nice to see extra system apps help tab bar customization, and I hope third-party apps observe swimsuit. Apple first demoed a customizable TV tab bar again in June, so it’s taken some time to implement—and it’s unfair to count on third events to maneuver quicker than Apple.
iPadOS 18.2 is anticipated to ship publicly in early- to mid-December, so customers not working the beta ought to acquire entry to the adjustments in just some weeks.
What apps do you hope add customization help with the brand new tab bar? Tell us within the feedback.
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