Apple TV can block you if you don’t have an iPhone

Apple just updated tvOS, the operating system for its TV box. While the update was only intended to fix a few minor issues, it took it a whole further step after a tweet from @hugelgupf. This user confirms that the update now requires the use of an iPhone or iPad to perform simple tasks from it his Apple TV.

In particular, he mentions the idea that accepting new terms of service or new iCloud contracts can’t be done without an Apple phone or tablet. This was not the case in the past. While this change will have minimal impact on the majority of Apple TV users, not everyone has an Apple phone or tablet at their fingertips.

Today’s Apple TV can be very well configured from scratch without the need for a third party device. But since the arrival of tvOS 16, many wizards require iPhone or iPad to be connected to the same account.

I own an Apple TV.

I don’t have another Apple device. Not one.

Every time I start my Apple TV I now get this prompt. @an Apple What do you expect me to do about it? pic.twitter.com/CsNaTNNIHp

– chris @c @pub.waffle.tech (@hugelgupf) January 16, 2023

Regarding general terms of use for example, the famous CGU, they cannot be read directly on Apple TV. For some unknown reason, Apple requires the user to take their phone or tablet and connect it to the TV.

Apple TV: an accessory for the iPhone?

The brand goes even further and requires devices to be updated to iOS 16 or iPadOS 16 as a minimum. In other words, even with some iPhone or iPad, it is impossible to complete this manipulation.

Also Read: Which iPhones Support iOS 16?

If requests to accept terms and conditions or device updates can be declined, they reappear on the screen at regular intervals. What’s more problematic is that some features of the Apple TV are not accessible until the user addresses the issue.