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Why no VPN on AppleTV
- Thread starter Sparxxx
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If I had to guess, it’s to placate content providers that Apple isn’t ACTIVELY engaged in helping their customers bypass restrictions the providers implement. Are VPN apps available through the provider’s app stores on Smart TVs? Or on Roku, Chromecast, etc? (That’s not a rhetorical question, I really have no idea - I only have Apple TV).
To complicate users' life who want to implement a VPN with Apple TV.
Smart DNS aside, it's usually possible to set VPN on the router side (if compatible) or use a Mac to share a desktop running VPN to Apple TV (via Wi-Fi). With some VPNs (actually, I know only one) is possible to share it even via Ethernet.
?
The best Apple TV VPN 2024
Choosing and setting up an Apple TV VPN can be tricky – here's how
Haven't tried it though.
Thanks but those are just workarounds. I know and tried most of them.
The main problem is that Apple does not allow native VPN apps on the AppleTV… such a pitty.
The main problem is that Apple does not allow native VPN apps on the AppleTV… such a pitty.
This a valid and fair point.
Still, what would be the problem FOR APPLE me streaming content from other regions since I pay for the service anyway?
I don't think it's ilegal for Apple since you can do this on Android. Perhaps this is a "because we say so" answer a la Apple.
Still, what would be the problem FOR APPLE me streaming content from other regions since I pay for the service anyway?
I don't think it's ilegal for Apple since you can do this on Android. Perhaps this is a "because we say so" answer a la Apple.
Because that would break the TOS for every streaming app out there.
think the difference is that there are a lot of other uses for a vpn on an iphone, and blocking them would turn some people to android. im struggling for another use of a vpn for an apple tv, and anyone put off by that is probably not the customer apple wants.
I can't speak for Google / Android, but I suspect Apple's position is something like this:
Apple doesn't develop the apps for Apple TV / tvOS. They have to attract developers and content providers to create apps for tvOS. As other posters have mentioned, the only utility for VPN on Apple TV would be to bypass regional restrictions or provide privacy from your ISP. In both cases, this could present a problem for Apple in terms of attracting developers and content providers to create apps. For example, Netflix: if VPN were allowed on Apple TV, it would mean Apple TV out of the box can bypass the Netflix TOS. With that in mind, Netflix may have been less enthusiastic about developing Netflix for tvOS. As another example, Spectrum Cable: if VPN were allowed on Apple TV, it would mean Apple TV out of the box can bypass Spectrum network monitoring services and regional restrictions on their content. With that in mind, Spectrum may have been less enthusiastic about developing their app for tvOS and about supporting tvOS TV Provider authentication and other features.
It's not about Apple internally. It's about their relationship with third-party developers, content providers, and ISPs.
Apple doesn't develop the apps for Apple TV / tvOS. They have to attract developers and content providers to create apps for tvOS. As other posters have mentioned, the only utility for VPN on Apple TV would be to bypass regional restrictions or provide privacy from your ISP. In both cases, this could present a problem for Apple in terms of attracting developers and content providers to create apps. For example, Netflix: if VPN were allowed on Apple TV, it would mean Apple TV out of the box can bypass the Netflix TOS. With that in mind, Netflix may have been less enthusiastic about developing Netflix for tvOS. As another example, Spectrum Cable: if VPN were allowed on Apple TV, it would mean Apple TV out of the box can bypass Spectrum network monitoring services and regional restrictions on their content. With that in mind, Spectrum may have been less enthusiastic about developing their app for tvOS and about supporting tvOS TV Provider authentication and other features.
It's not about Apple internally. It's about their relationship with third-party developers, content providers, and ISPs.
Doesn't it work with Express VPN? They claim it does but I haven't tried it. They are very good generally
www.expressvpn.com
Set Up DNS on Apple TV tvOS (4th Gen and Above) | ExpressVPN
Find out how to set up MediaStreamer with DNS on your Apple TV tvOS. Get set up in under ten minutes and enjoy fast streams.
www.expressvpn.com
It will work using what they refer to as their "MediaStreamer" function, which is really no different than any of the other SmartDNS services offered at half the price ExpressVPN charges. I paid for my year of ExpressVPN on account of their router firmware supporting certain ASUS models. I would like to warn you all that the firmware is horrible. My ASUS router was connecting to my Mac Mini at about 550 MBPS with the original ASUS firmware. After I loaded the ExpressVPN firmware my download speed dropped to less than 220 MBPS without VPN enabled and with VPN enabled dropped to about 30 MBPS on a 1 GBPS fiber connection. Needless to say, I went back to the ASUS firmware. For $100 a year they are over priced in my opinion, I won't be renewing with them as I pay less than $20 yearly for my dedicated SmartDNS service which also includes OpenVPN support.Doesn't it work with Express VPN? They claim it does but I haven't tried it. They are very good generally
Set Up DNS on Apple TV tvOS (4th Gen and Above) | ExpressVPN
Find out how to set up MediaStreamer with DNS on your Apple TV tvOS. Get set up in under ten minutes and enjoy fast streams.
Thats pretty much the 1 thing I want. Chromecast with Google TV supports VPNs which allowed us to use other regional streaming sites. Though now with Disney+ in my region I no longer really use it much.... though it is still nice to have. That and a web browser
