Earlier than the introduction of tvOS 17, Apple TV customers could not straight arrange a VPN app on their set-top streaming gadgets, and as a substitute needed to depend on configuring their router to make use of that performance. In a Monday launch, ExpressVPN has launched one that may be put in straight onto the Apple TV.

Apple added third-party VPN assist to tvOS 17, with the change framed as one to learn training and enterprise customers eager to entry personal networks. Although Apple did not outright provide that it may very well be utilized by shoppers, ExpressVPN determined to go that route anyway.

When used on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, a VPN can permit customers to divert their web visitors by means of servers in different nations. As streaming providers can usually geo-lock content material to be accessible inside particular nations for licensing functions, a VPN can permit customers to see content material viewable in different nations, increasing the content material library.

By including third-party VPN assist, Apple allowed customers to doubtlessly connect with a VPN service with it configured on the Apple TV, without having to vary issues on the router. Such a change subsequently means solely the Apple TV’s net visitors is affected, leaving different gadgets accessing the web as ordinary.

ExpressVPN’s app seems within the Apple TV model of the App Retailer, with customers in a position to sign up to the account utilizing a QR code scan on their iPhone or entered in manually. As soon as arrange, customers can choose from servers in 105 nations to attach by means of.

The service makes use of ExpressVPN’s Lightway VPN protocol for reliability and constant speeds, the corporate claims. Additional enhancements are mentioned to be on the best way within the coming months, with ExpressVPN additionally providing entry to a beta program.

ExpressVPN wasn’t the primary to supply its personal app on tvOS, with smaller outfits together with PureVPN and IPVanish doing so earlier. Nonetheless, its presence it could open different main VPN apps to supply one thing comparable. In accordance to The Verge, NordVPN now has ambitions to roll out its personal app.