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Rumor: tvOS 11 to add multi-user support, picture-in-picture

The Apple TV will gain multi-user support and picture-in-picture with tvOS 11, the next major update of its operating system, according to Israeli site, The Verifier — as noted by AppleInsider. tvOS 11 will almost certainly be unveiled at June’s Apple Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC).

Multi-user support will purportedly tailor onscreen content to the active profile/Apple ID. Folks will not only see their personal Apple Music, iCloud, and iTunes content, but also their own apps, according to The Verifier, quoting an unnamed “reliable source.” So far, only Macs have offered multiple user accounts for everyone. iPads technically support it, but only in classroom settings.

Picture-in-picture, which is available on both Macs and iPads, will let you watch a video in a corner window while browsing the homescreen or another app. 

The Verifier also says Apple will eventually incorporate a live programming guide, and offer some form of subscription TV content.

Chances that these rumors are accurate (IMHO): 100%. Multi-user support, picture-in-picture and a live programming guide seem like logical moves for tvOS 11. As for a subscription TV service, Apple will offer one IF it can hammer out deals with studios on its own terms. As for the Apple TV, let’s hope a 4K version is coming soon.

Dennis Sellers
the authorDennis Sellers
Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.