Apple TV’s screensavers offer stunning aerial views from around the world. Apple has recently added new locations to their collection. You can easily find the location of any Apple TV screensaver by tapping the trackpad on your Siri Remote while the screensaver is playing.
The latest additions include breathtaking scenes from various landscapes and cityscapes. These 4K resolution aerial footage showcases Earth’s beauty in slow motion. You’ll find views of mountains, oceans, deserts, and urban skylines from unique perspectives.
To access these new screensavers, make sure your Apple TV is updated to the latest tvOS version. You can then adjust your screensaver settings to display these new locations. Here’s a quick guide to the latest additions:
| Screensaver Type | Example Locations |
|---|---|
| Landscape | Nuussuaq Peninsula, Greenland |
| Cityscape | New urban locations (specifics vary) |
| Underwater | New ocean scenes (specifics vary) |
| Earth | Various global aerial views |
Apple TV Screensaver Guide (2026)
Apple TV’s Aerial screen savers remain one of the most stunning features of tvOS. With breathtaking 4K HDR footage from around the world — and even from space — they turn your TV into a living piece of art. In 2026, with tvOS 26, Apple added more customization options and new footage, making the experience better than ever.
Here’s your complete guide to Apple TV screen savers in 2026.
What Are Apple TV Screen Savers?
Apple TV primarily features Aerial screen savers — cinematic slow‑motion videos captured in 4K HDR. These include:
- Natural landscapes
- City skylines
- Underwater scenes
- Wildlife footage
- Earth views from space
Apple notes that you can tap the remote to reveal the location name during playback (source: Apple Support).
What’s New in 2026 (tvOS 26)
The tvOS 26 update introduced improved control over Aerial screen savers, something users had long requested.
According to coverage of tvOS 26, Apple TV 4K now includes:
- Greater control over which Aerial categories appear
- More customization options
- New Aerial footage, including content from India
- Improvements to the TV app and interface
Sources:
- 9to5Mac – tvOS 26 adds new screen saver features
- MacRumors – tvOS 26 Brings New Aerial Screen Saver Controls
- MacObserver – Custom Aerial Controls
This means you can now better personalize which types of scenes appear instead of cycling through everything automatically.
How to Change Your Apple TV Screen Saver
To adjust screen saver settings:
- Open Settings
- Select General
- Choose Screen Saver
- Select Type → Choose Aerial
- Adjust:
- Download New Video Frequency (Daily, Weekly, Monthly)
- Categories (depending on tvOS version)
- Start After (how long before activation)
With tvOS 26, category-level control is more refined than in previous versions.
How to Identify a Screen Saver Location
If you’re watching an Aerial and wondering where it was filmed:
- Lightly tap the touch surface or clickpad on your Siri Remote.
- The location name appears on screen.
Apple confirms this feature on its support page (source: Apple Support).
You can also find community-maintained lists of Aerial videos, including resolution and HDR availability, such as this spreadsheet (source: Google Sheets – AppleTV Aerials List).
Managing Storage and Downloads
Aerial videos are downloaded directly to your Apple TV. To manage them:
- Set download frequency to Weekly or Monthly
- Restart Apple TV to clear unused cache if storage becomes tight
- Keep your Apple TV updated for the latest Aerial additions
Some Aerial videos are not available in all resolutions or regions (source: Google Sheets – AppleTV Aerials List).
HDR and Device Compatibility
HDR Aerials are viewable on:
- Apple TV 4K
- iPhone 8 or newer
- 2017+ Macs running macOS Catalina 10.15 or later
They can also be AirPlayed to Apple TV 4K (source: Google Sheets – AppleTV Aerials List).
For the best experience, use:
- A 4K HDR television
- High-speed internet (for automatic downloads)
- Dolby Vision-compatible display (if supported)
Featured Apple TV Screen Saver Locations
Apple continuously expands its Aerial catalog. Here are some of the notable types of locations featured:
🌆 Cityscapes
- Dubai skyline
- Los Angeles at night
- New York City
- Hong Kong harbor
- London skyline
🌄 Natural Landscapes
- Yosemite National Park
- Patagonia mountains
- Icelandic coastlines
- Hawaiian cliffs
- Scottish Highlands
🌊 Underwater Scenes
- Coral reefs
- Tropical fish
- Kelp forests
- Dolphin pods
🌏 International Highlights
With tvOS 26, Apple added footage from India, expanding its global coverage (source: MacRumors).
🚀 Space Views
- Earth from orbit
- Nighttime views of continents
- Aurora Borealis from space
Final Thoughts
In 2026, Apple TV’s screen savers are more customizable and expansive than ever. With tvOS 26:
- You get finer control over categories
- New global footage continues to roll out
- 4K HDR visuals look better than ever
Whether you use your Apple TV daily or just want your television to double as digital art, the Aerial screen saver system remains one of Apple TV’s standout features.
If you haven’t explored the new controls in tvOS 26 yet, it’s worth diving into Settings today.
Apple TV Screensaver Overview
Apple TV screensavers offer stunning visual experiences. These high-quality aerial videos showcase breathtaking locations from around the world.
Evolution of Apple TV Screensavers
Apple introduced Aerial Screensavers with the 4th generation Apple TV in 2015. They’ve since become a signature feature. Early versions featured cityscapes and landscapes.
Apple has expanded the collection over time. New additions include underwater scenes and space views. The company regularly updates the library with fresh content.
Video quality has improved too. 4K HDR support arrived with the Apple TV 4K. This enhances color and detail for compatible TVs.
Types of Screensavers Available
Apple TV offers several screensaver categories:
- Aerial
- Landscape
- Cityscape
- Underwater
- Earth
Aerial screensavers are the most popular. They show flyover views of cities, landmarks, and natural wonders.
Landscape screensavers feature scenic vistas. Cityscapes showcase urban environments. Underwater scenes display marine life and coral reefs. Earth views offer satellite imagery of our planet.
You can customize screensaver settings. Options include:
- Choosing specific themes
- Setting display time
- Enabling/disabling location info
| Screensaver Type | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Aerial | Flyover views, location info |
| Landscape | Natural scenery, day/night cycles |
| Cityscape | Urban environments, time-lapse |
| Underwater | Marine life, coral reefs |
| Earth | Satellite imagery, global views |
Configuring Your Screensaver Settings
Apple TV offers various options to personalize your screensaver experience. You can choose from stunning aerial views or use your own photos to create a unique display.
Accessing Screensaver Settings
To configure your Apple TV screensaver, start by going to the Settings app. Navigate to “General” and then select “Screen Saver”. This menu gives you control over your screensaver’s appearance and behavior.
Use your Apple TV Remote or Siri Remote to scroll through the options. If you have difficulty navigating, try using voice commands with Siri. Simply press and hold the Siri button on your remote and say “Open Screen Saver Settings”.
You can also adjust these settings using your iPhone. Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and signed in to the same Apple ID. Open the Apple TV Remote app on your iPhone and navigate to the settings.
Customizing Screensaver Options
Once in the Screen Saver menu, you’ll see several customization options:
- Type: Choose between Apple’s Aerial views or your personal photos
- Theme: Select from various themes if using your own photos
- Start After: Set how long your Apple TV waits before activating the screensaver
- Preview: See how your chosen settings will look
For Aerial screensavers, you can select specific locations or let Apple TV cycle through all available options. To use your own photos, link your iCloud Photo Library or Home Sharing.
| Setting | Options |
|---|---|
| Type | Aerial, Photos, Home Sharing |
| Theme | Classic, Modern, Oscillate |
| Start After | 2 min, 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 30 min, 1 hour |
Adjust these settings to create a screensaver that suits your preferences and showcases your favorite scenes or memories.
Exploring Apple TV Aerial Screensaver Locations
Apple TV‘s aerial screensavers offer breathtaking views from around the world. These high-definition videos showcase stunning landscapes and cityscapes, bringing natural beauty and urban marvels to your screen.
Highlight on Iconic Locations
The Apple TV screensaver collection features many iconic locations. You can see geographic location information about each scene by lightly tapping the remote’s touch surface while the screensaver is active.
Popular aerial views include:
- San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge
- New York City’s skyline
- London’s Thames River
- Dubai’s towering skyscrapers
- Great Wall of China
These screensavers capture the essence of each location, from bustling city streets to serene natural wonders. The aerial footage provides a unique perspective, allowing you to experience these places from a bird’s-eye view.
Recent New Additions
Apple expanded its aerial screensaver library with 19 new views across various locations. Notable additions include:
- Monument Valley: 7 new scenes
- Oregon Redwoods: 4 new scenes
- Sonoma, California: 5 new scenes
- California Wildflower Superbloom: 3 new scenes
- Iceland: 1 new scene
These additions bring the total number of unique aerial screensavers to over 140, spanning 21 different locations. The new footage showcases diverse landscapes, from the towering rock formations of Monument Valley to the lush greenery of Oregon’s redwood forests.
| Location | New Scenes |
|---|---|
| Monument Valley | 7 |
| Oregon Redwoods | 4 |
| Sonoma, CA | 5 |
| CA Wildflower Superbloom | 3 |
| Iceland | 1 |
You can access these new screensavers by updating your Apple TV to the latest tvOS version.
Technical Insights and Enhancements
Apple TV’s screensaver technology has evolved significantly. Recent updates have improved video quality and expanded the range of captivating aerial footage.
Behind the Scenes of Aerial Footage
Apple uses specialized equipment to capture stunning aerial views for their screensavers. High-end drones and helicopters equipped with stabilized 4K and 8K cameras are employed to record smooth, cinematic shots.
The footage undergoes extensive post-processing. Color grading enhances vibrancy and contrast. Editors carefully select the most visually appealing segments.
Aerial screensaver locations span the globe. From cityscapes to natural wonders, Apple aims to showcase Earth’s diversity. New locations are added regularly to keep the experience fresh.
Apple TV 4K and Apple TV 4 both support these screensavers. TVOS 17 introduced additional views and refined playback options.
Resolution and Display Improvements
Recent updates have boosted screensaver quality on Apple TV devices. Here’s a breakdown of the improvements:
| Feature | Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen+) | Apple TV 4K (1st Gen) | Apple TV HD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Resolution | 4K HDR | 4K SDR | 1080p |
| Frame Rate | Up to 60 fps | Up to 30 fps | Up to 30 fps |
| Dynamic Range | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | HDR10 | SDR |
The latest Apple TV 4K models deliver the most impressive visuals. They support higher frame rates and advanced HDR formats for enhanced color and contrast.
New screen savers in tvOS 17 take full advantage of these capabilities. You’ll notice improved detail and smoother motion in aerial shots.
