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The tvOS 9.2 upgrade brings folders to Apple TV 4’s Home screen. This article covers how to use folders on Apple TV 4.
The tvOS App Store already offers thousands of apps. This is a good thing, but installing too many apps can clutter the Home screen. Fortunately, Apple introduced folders to tvOS with version 9.2. The feature works much like folders in iOS. The main difference is that, without a touch screen, Apple TV 4 offers an alternative way to add apps to a folder. Let’s take a look at using folders with Apple TV 4.
Why Use Folders?
Folders help reduce clutter on the Home screen. Instead of searching through a huge grid of app icons, users can organize apps into categories such as news, music, games, entertainment or any other category. Folders do add a little extra work, however. Instead of just launching an app directly from the home screen, users must open the folder, select the app and launch it. This can be a bit tedious.
I personally don’t use folders. I launch apps using Siri and find that folders take more time and effort. As my Home screen becomes more cluttered, I may add an “archive” folder for apps that I don’t use. This will make it easier to delete apps if I need to free up room on my Apple TV 4.
If folders prove to be a chore, there are better ways to organize your home screen. I suggest moving the apps you use most often to the top of the screen, but not in the top row. Put apps you don’t use at all in an “archive” folder. This will keep them out of the way and make it easier to delete them.
Folders do appeal to many users. If you don’t mind a little more effort and like to keep things neat, read on. We’ll take a look at how to use folders and how to easily add apps to existing folders.
Upgrade tvOS
tvOS needs to be upgraded to version 9.2 (or later) in order to use folders. You can check which version of tvOS is installed by going to Settings > General > About. You can also just install the latest version of tvOS. Go to Settings > System > Software Updates and click on Update Software. Apple TV will guide you through the tvOS update process, if your device isn’t already up-to-date.
Most people will already have the latest version of tvOS installed. By default, tvOS is configured to update system software automatically. I recommend turning this off. It’s always best to be aware of what you’re installing. Sometimes Apple releases flawed updates. The Apple TV 6.0 update (for 2nd and 3rd generation models) “bricked” several Apple TVs. Users had to do complete restores of their system by plugging it into a computer with iTunes. tvOS updates could have regressive bugs or even new defects. It’s always best manually update operating systems. Apple TV will inform you when there’s a new version available. You should go online and research the update to make sure it doesn’t have any nasty surprises. I also recommend waiting a few days after the update is released. Let the eager Apple fanboys test it for you.
You can turn off automatic updates by going to Settings > System > Software Updates. Next, turn off Automatically Update.
Create Folders on Apple TV 4
Creating folders on Apple TV 4 is a simple task. First, make sure you’re on the Home screen. Press the Home button (looks like a TV) on the Siri Remote to quickly access the Home screen. Next, select an app on the home screen that you would like to add to a folder. Click and hold on the Touch surface until the app’s icon starts to wiggle. Press the Play/Pause button on the Siri Remote. A menu will appear. Click on New Folder. You will see a new folder expand with the app icon inside. The folder’s name appears at the top. (continue…)