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.
Thursday December 11, 2025 8:49 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple seeded the second iOS 26.2 Release Candidate to developers earlier this week, meaning the update will be released to the general public very soon.
Apple confirmed iOS 26.2 would be released in December, but it did not provide a specific date. We expect the update to be released by early next week.
iOS 26.2 includes a handful of new features and changes on the iPhone, such as a new...
Friday December 12, 2025 10:56 am PST by Joe Rossignol
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The report said the features are referenced within the code for a leaked internal build of iOS 26 that is not meant to be seen by the public. However, it appears that Espósito and/or his sources managed to gain access to it, providing us with a sneak peek...
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Friday December 12, 2025 10:10 am PST by Juli Clover
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Here's what's supposedly coming:
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Friday December 12, 2025 10:08 am PST by Juli Clover
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Apple is about to release iOS 26.2, the second major point update for iPhones since iOS 26 was rolled out in September, and there are at least 15 notable changes and improvements worth checking out. We've rounded them up below.
Apple is expected to roll out iOS 26.2 to compatible devices sometime between December 8 and December 16. When the update drops, you can check Apple's servers for the ...
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...?
