Apple TV to Support VPN Apps on tvOS 17 (2024)

by Joe Rossignol

Apple announced tvOS 17 earlier this week with a handful of new features for the Apple TV, including FaceTime and a redesigned Control Center. Another new feature is support for VPN apps, although it remains to be seen if there will be any limitations.

Apple TV to Support VPN Apps on tvOS 17 (1)
VPN apps could allow for Apple TV users to watch geo-restricted content from any location, such as the U.S. version of Netflix in another country. In its tvOS 17 press release, however, Apple focused on how the VPN apps can benefit enterprise and education users, so it is possible that Apple could restrict usage of the apps.

Apple:

Third-party VPN support, which enables developers to create VPN apps for Apple TV. This can benefit enterprise and education users wanting to access content on their private networks, allowing Apple TV to be a great office and conference room solution in even more places.

tvOS 17 will be released later this year, and is available in beta now for anyone with an Apple developer account. The software update is compatible with all Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD models released in 2015 and later. The first VPN apps should begin to appear on the Apple TV's App Store over the coming months.

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[ 142 comments ]

Top Rated Comments

mystery hill

10 months ago


Apple focused on how the VPN apps can benefit enterprise and education users

They aren’t going to have a press release focusing on how VPN apps can help users get around geo-blocked streaming services.

You can also set up Apple TVs in other locations to all connect over VPN to a single household to circumvent Netflix’s password sharing restrictions.

Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)

maflynn

10 months ago

Long over due, as I prefer to guard my privacy, VPN is an important option for me.

Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)

mrr

10 months ago

Why can’t Apple TV run Safari?

Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)

mystery hill

10 months ago


Why can’t Apple TV run Safari?

It can. Apple doesn’t want it to.

Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)

code-m

10 months ago

Hopefully it’s the full fledged version and not some crippled Apple implementation plus hope the iOS VPN connection “bug” issue is resolved where open app prior to a VPN connection bypass it instead of re-establishing a new connection along with a “kill switch”.

Was hoping web browsers would also be allowed. Oh well.

Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)

code-m

10 months ago


Google one is awesome! Best deal on the Internet.

Along with Facebook/Meta VPN service it’s free just have to cough up private data. ?

Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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Apple TV to Support VPN Apps on tvOS 17 (2024)

FAQs

Does tvOS 17 support VPN? ›

Does tvOS support VPN? Yes, as of June 2023, Apple TV's tvOS now allows you to download and use a VPN app such as ExpressVPN similarly to how you would on your phone or computer. Just head to your Apple TV's App Store to download a VPN app.

Will Apple TV ever support VPN? ›

Unfortunately, not all Apple TV versions support VPN apps (only with tvOS 17, VPN apps can now be installed on the Apple TV directly). But you don't need to worry – even if you can't install a VPN app with one click, there are other ways to configure a secure VPN connection on your Apple TV.

Why are there no VPN apps on Apple TV? ›

If you don't see ExpressVPN in the App Store, make sure to update your TVOS software. You need to be running TVOS 17, because older versions do not support VPNs. To update your Apple TV, go to Settings > System > Software Updates > Update Software > Download and Install > Update Now.

What is the best free VPN for Apple TV? ›

atlasVPN. Atlas VPN Free stands out as a top choice for Apple TV users seeking a complimentary VPN service. Its dedicated tvOS app simplifies the streaming experience, offering access to US-based platforms like Netflix hassle-free. Despite a lackluster interface, it delivers reliable performance.

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