tvOS 17 supports VPN apps on Apple TV ending geographical limitations

At WWDC 2023, Apple unveiled tvOS 17, a feature-packed update that promises to enhance your streaming experience. Alongside highly anticipated additions like FaceTime and a redesigned Control Center, tvOS 17 brings something special for those seeking unrestricted content access and improved enterprise solutions: support for VPN apps.

tvOS 17 - Control Center

In tvOS 17, the video streaming experience on Apple TV will not be affected by geo-restrictions

One of the most significant perks of tvOS 17’s VPN app support is the potential to bypass geo-restrictions. For instance, Apple TV users can now watch region-specific content, like the coveted U.S. version of Netflix, from any corner of the world. This means you won’t miss out on your favorite shows or movies just because they’re not available in your current location. From 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.

Although the focus of Apple’s tvOS 17 press release was primarily on the benefits for enterprise and education users, the possibilities for everyday consumers are equally exciting. With VPN apps, businesses, and educational institutions can securely access content on their private networks using Apple TV. This enhancement transforms the device into a versatile office and conference room solution, amplifying its usefulness in various professional settings.

While the introduction of VPN apps opens up a world of opportunities, it’s worth noting that Apple’s stance on potential restrictions remains ambiguous. The company’s emphasis on enterprise and education use cases raises questions about whether there might be limitations on personal content access. As we await the official release of tvOS 17, it’s essential to watch for any updates or clarifications from Apple regarding the usage guidelines.

tvOs 17 - FaceTime - Apple TV 4K

The good news is that tvOS 17 is just around the corner! The official release is scheduled for later this year, and if you can’t wait to get your hands on the new features, you can access the beta version now. All you need is an Apple developer account to explore tvOS 17’s offerings before the general release.

Note that Apple’s tvOS 17 update is designed to cater to a broad audience. It is compatible with all Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD models released in 2015 and later. So, whether you have the latest model or one that’s a few years old, you won’t miss out on the enhanced functionalities of tvOS 17.

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About the Author

Asma is an editor at iThinkDifferent with a strong focus on social media, Apple news, streaming services, guides, mobile gaming, app reviews, and more. When not blogging, Asma loves to play with her cat, draw, and binge on Netflix shows.