Apple today released a support document detailing a newly implemented Apple TV setup feature that was introduced last week with its Apple TV 6.0 software update.
Users that have a third-generation Apple TV running the 6.0 software can use an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 7 to automatically transfer network settings, Apple ID information, and language preferences to the Apple TV, allowing for faster setup. The information exchange is done via Bluetooth by touching the iOS device to the Apple TV, taking advantage of the Bluetooth LE built into all Apple devices after the iPhone 4.
Apple's support article includes a detailed list of instructions on the process:
1. Connect your Apple TV to your television and power and wait until your Apple TV displays the setup screen.
2. Unlock your iOS 7 device and ensure that Bluetooth is enabled. Also ensure that you are connected to the Wi-Fi network you want to use with Apple TV.
3. Touch your iOS device to your Apple TV and wait for the prompts to appear on your iOS device and Apple TV.
4. Enter your Apple ID and password on your iOS device.
5. Choose if you want Apple TV to remember your Apple ID password, and if you want Apple TV to send data to Apple.
6. Your Apple TV will start the configuration process, including connecting to your Wi-Fi network, activating Apple TV, and setting up your iTunes Store account.
Prior to the implementation of the tap setup feature, entering Apple TV information was a tedious process that required connecting a Bluetooth keyboard or using the Apple TV remote to pick and choose letters.
As noted by Apple, the transfer requires an iPhone 4s or later, a third-generation iPad or later, an iPad mini, or a fifth-generation iPod touch. The feature does not work with the iPhone 4 or the iPad 2.
Saturday April 11, 2026 9:14 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly a year later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon.
In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
CarPlay Ultra...
As we wait for WWDC to kick off next Monday, Apple today announced the winners of its annual Apple Design Awards, recognizing apps and games for their innovation, ingenuity, and technical achievement.
The 2025 Apple Design Award winners are listed below, with one app and one game selected per category:
Delight and Fun - CapWords (App) and Balatro (Game)
Innovation - Play (App) and PBJ -...
Saturday April 11, 2026 9:07 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
While the AirPods Max 2 received more attention, Apple also released a second pair of headphones last month: Nike Powerbeats Pro 2.
Nike Powerbeats Pro 2 are the same as the regular Powerbeats Pro 2, except they have a two-tone design consisting of black and Nike's signature Volt neon green-yellow color. The headphones were released on March 20 in the U.S., Canada, Australia, the U.K., and a ...
Wednesday March 25, 2026 3:33 pm PDT by Joe Rossignol
Apple this week released tvOS 26.4, and the software update includes a handful of new features and changes for the Apple TV.
tvOS 26.4 is compatible with all Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD models released since 2015. To update your Apple TV, open the Settings app on the device, navigate to System → Software Updates, and select Update Software.
Below, we have recapped what is new in tvOS...
We're long overdue for an Apple TV update, and there have been rumors about an imminent refresh since late last year. It's now sounding like we're not going to get a new version for several months because of Siri delays. If you're holding out for a new model, here's a recap on what to expect when it eventually comes out so you can decide whether to continue to wait, or buy now.
Design
Apple ...
Apple today shared a trailer for Widow's Bay, a mysterious new "genre-bending" horror-comedy series set to premiere on Apple TV on Wednesday, April 29.
Widow's Bay is described as a "quaint island town 40 miles off the coast of New England," but apparently "something lurks beneath the surface."
Matthew Rhys stars as Mayor Tom Loftis, who is trying to revive the struggling community.
...
Given that it's Bluetooth, why do the devices need to touch at all?
This isn't far off from the 'bumping' they mocked (though I realise there's a huge difference between this and AirDrop).
They don't need to touch. But touching ensures that the iOS device is close enough to the Apple TV, which is why I assume Apple specifies a touch in the documentation.
Now I want to wipe my :apple:TV 3 just to see this in action!
Edit: Okay, that was pretty slick.
Reset my :apple:TV, and it gave this prompt. Got my iPhone 4S about an inch from the :apple:TV, and a dialog appeared on the iPhone asking for my iTunes password. A couple "yes or no" type questions on the iPhone, and the :apple:TV was ready to go.
Given that it's Bluetooth, why do the devices need to touch at all?
This isn't far off from the 'bumping' they mocked (though I realise there's a huge difference between this and AirDrop).
Edit: It may be that they're doing something clever with the iOS device's accelerometer readings to initiate the process whilst ensuring that they're within Bluetooth range...?
