Screenshot: MacRumors
VPN apps are a convenient way to connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on iOS and macOS devices, but Apple TV has been missing this feature until now. With tvOS 17, which will be released later this year, Apple will enable developers to create VPN apps for Apple TV and distribute them through the Apple TV App Store. Apple announced tvOS 17 at its WWDC 2023 keynote on Monday but did not mention the VPN support during the presentation. However, the company revealed more details about the new feature on its website.
VPN apps can help Apple TV users access geo-locked content, such as different versions of Netflix in various countries. However, Apple seems to emphasize the benefits of VPN apps for enterprise and education users, who may want to access content on their private networks. This could mean that Apple may limit the usage of VPN apps for other purposes.
According to Apple, developers can use a new API to create apps that automatically configure VPN settings on Apple TV. A VPN is a service that creates a secure connection by routing your traffic through a remote server before reaching your destination. VPN apps will not be available in the Apple TV App Store until tvOS 17 is officially released this fall. Apple plans to launch a public beta of tvOS 17 in July.