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With the update to iOS 26.1 and tvOS 26.1, Apple has launched the next phase of its rebranding. Apple TV+ is becoming simply Apple TV—a move the company says is part of a "vibrant new identity." The first visible changes are now available, and they primarily affect the app icon, which is getting a significant color boost.
Apple has consistently expanded its streaming offerings in recent years, establishing a solid market position with series, films, and exclusive content. The rebranding of Apple TV+ to Apple TV aims to unify the brand while placing greater emphasis on the user experience. Design plays a central role in this. With the update to iOS 26.1 and tvOS 26.1, the Apple TV app icon receives a striking visual change that reflects precisely this new approach.
The new symbol in detail
The Apple TV app had already been redesigned with the so-called Liquid Glass design in iOS 26. The icon was then more minimalistic, with a soft white-to-gray gradient. With iOS 26.1 and tvOS 26.1 Developer Beta 3, Apple is now going a step further and adding more color to the icon.
The new version appears more vibrant and modern. While the previous version was rather understated, the new icon features a variety of colors reminiscent of the recent Siri redesign. The effect is created by combining several vibrant colors that shimmer slightly depending on the light and movement – a typical feature of Apple's new design language.
Looking back at previous designs
Apple has experimented with color in the Apple TV icon several times in the past. Earlier versions featured shades of blue and green, reminiscent of the original icons of the TV app and the Videos app. The current redesign builds on this, but in a more modern way. Instead of solid colors, Apple now uses dynamic gradients that convey depth and movement.
The new symbol thus fits better with the company's current design language, which now places greater emphasis on transparent, fluid effects and visual depth. The goal seems clear: to make the appearance more vibrant without losing the clear Apple style.
The rebranding and its significance
The fact that Apple TV+ is now simply called Apple TV is more than just a cosmetic change. It demonstrates how strongly Apple wants to unify the brand. The Apple TV app now serves not only as an access point to the streaming service, but also as a central platform for movies, series, live TV, and sports content.
The rebranding is intended to reflect this integration. Everything related to video and entertainment in the Apple ecosystem is united under the name Apple TV. The new, colorful icon thus symbolizes this broader focus—it connects the technical platform with a recognizable visual statement.
Apple TV becomes the central platform in the Apple universe
With iOS 26.1 and tvOS 26.1, Apple is not only introducing a new icon, but also a clear message. The rebranding of Apple TV+ to Apple TV is part of a larger strategy to consolidate the entire entertainment offering under one brand. The redesigned app icon underscores this change: more colorful, more dynamic, and more closely integrated with the current Apple design.
The "vibrant new identity" Apple is talking about is already evident – subtle but clear. And even if it's ostensibly just an icon update, it reflects a deeper development: Apple TV is becoming the centerpiece of media experiences within the Apple universe. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
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