HOW TO Master the new TV app

Navigate the sidebar

When you open the TV app in tvOS 17.2, you’ll see a new sidebar, populated with easy–access options for things like Apple TV+, the iTunes Store and your Library. You’ll also find your favorite apps and channels listed here.

Apple TV+ shows

Back on the sidebar, select Apple TV+ to see the TV shows and movies currently available on Apple’s own streaming service. Some content is free to watch even if you’re not a subscriber. A subscription costs $9.99/month.

Channels & Apps

Near the bottom of the sidebar you’ll see Channels & Apps. This could contain “channels” for other streaming services, such as Amazon Prime Video or Disney+, but it could also contain apps — games you’ve downloaded, say.

Start searching

From the sidebar, select Search and you’ll be able to hunt for anything that’s available to watch on your Apple TV, including those available on apps and channels that you either haven’t downloaded or subscribed to yet.

Visit the Store

To see the latest movie and TV releases, head to the Store (from the sidebar) where you’ll be able to buy or rent them. You must finish watching a rented movie within 48 hours of starting it, after which time it will disappear.

Customize to suit

While most of the options in the sidebar are fixed, you can customize the Channels & Apps section. Head back to the Apple TV Home Screen, select Settings > Apps > App Settings > TV, then go to “Connect to TV”.

Download an app

Here we’ve selected Amazon Prime Video show The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power. As the app isn’t currently installed, you’ll be given the option to download it. Press the center button on your Siri Remote to do so.

Visit your Library

Select Library from the sidebar and you’ll be able to view and choose any of your previous purchases. You can view all your purchases or narrow them down by type (Movie or TV Show) or by Category, such as Thriller or Romance.

Connected apps

Under “Connect to TV” you’ll see a list of apps you’ve installed with either an “On” or an “Off” to their right. Those labelled “On” will be included in the Channels & Apps sidebar in the TV app, while those labelled “Off” won’t. Easy!