Roku Rolls Out OS 15.1 Update: New Features for TVs & Players

Taylor Keatsman

Published: January 25, 2026 5:17 PM ET

Roku Rolls Out OS 15.1 Update: New Features for TVs & Players

Roku has introduced the OS 15.1 update, featuring several enhancements aimed at developers of streaming applications. This new operating system is designed to improve app performance, video playback accuracy, and the development process itself.

Key Features of Roku OS 15.1

Improved Video Seeking

One of the standout features in OS 15.1 is the introduction of a new manifest mode for video seeking. This improvement allows for precise control over where a video starts when a user skips ahead. The mode leverages the HLS manifest file’s EXT-X-START tag to determine the correct starting point, ensuring viewers bypass unwanted segments like opening credits. This results in a much smoother viewing experience.

Enhanced Development Tools

Perfetto Support: OS 15.1 integrates Perfetto, a sophisticated tracing tool that aids developers in monitoring app performance.
Visual Timeline Tracking: Perfetto records app activity and presents it in a timeline format. This allows developers to see resource usage and potential performance bottlenecks.
Diagnostics and Debugging: The detailed analysis provided by Perfetto facilitates targeted optimization, making it easier to enhance app performance.

Transitioning to Modern Practices

With this update, Roku has deprecated the roString.AppendString function, advising developers to switch to the more reliable SetString function. This change promotes cleaner coding practices and prepares developers for future platform updates, helping to mitigate compatibility issues.

Impact on Community and Content Delivery

These updates underscore Roku’s dedication to its developer community by enhancing tools for app creation and troubleshooting. The improvements not only assist developers but also elevate the overall user experience for millions of Roku device owners.

Initially rolled out to beta testers, Roku OS 15.1 plays a crucial role in the ongoing evolution of the Roku platform, maintaining its competitiveness in the dynamic landscape of connected TV technologies.