tvOS 26.2 broke HDMI-CEC

Question

Level 1

6 points

tvOS 26.2 broke HDMI-CEC

Issue description:

The latest Apple TV (tvOS 26.2) update broke compatibility with my television. Volume control no longer works with the Apple TV remote or the iPhone Remote app (the volume slider turned grey). This functionality worked perfectly before the update.

AppleTV is 4K 3rd Gen (A2737), TV is Samsung QE55Q82RAT

Troubleshooting steps attempted:

Unplugged and reconnected power cables for both Apple TV and the TV
Switched HDMI ports
Disabled and re-enabled HDMI-CEC support on the TV
Reset the Apple TV remote
Tried using the iPhone Remote app (volume slider remains greyed out)

Additional details:

My TV uses a Bluetooth remote, so IR control cannot be used and a new remote cannot be taught to Apple TV

Summary:

This appears to be a software regression introduced by the recent update. Please investigate and address it in an upcoming tvOS release.

[Edited by Moderator]

Posted on Dec 17, 2025 9:19 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 14, 2026 9:46 AM in response to Mika-67

Found the solution (for me)...

i too suddenly lost control of both my TV and my Soundbar via the AppleTV Remote after the auto tvOS 26.2 update (which occurred January 12, 2026 for me).

check out the instructions @ https://support.apple.com/en-us/108769

i did as it says, and at the end, just selecting a different IR option AND THEN reselecting the IR option that i have been using successfully till the update, totally restored my ATV Remote glory.

-2¢

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Answer 2

Jan 11, 2026 10:55 AM in response to Mika-67

Similar issue with my Bose soundbar. The 2025 OS updates are just terrible all over, unfortunately :/

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Answer 3

Dec 17, 2025 12:05 PM in response to Mika-67

Same thing with my Vizio and current generation Apple TV.

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