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Apple Releases tvOS 15.4 With Support for Captive WiFi Networks

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Apple today released tvOS 15.4, the fourth major update to the tvOS operating system that first launched in September 2021. tvOS 15.4 comes less than two months after the launch of tvOS 15.3.

Apple TV tvOS 15 Feature
tvOS 15.4 can be downloaded over the air on the Apple TV through the Settings app by going to System > Software Update. ‌‌‌‌‌‌Apple TV‌‌‌‌‌‌ owners who have automatic software updates enabled will be upgraded to tvOS 15.4 automatically.

Apple's tvOS updates are typically more minor in scale, focusing on under-the-hood bug fixes, performance updates, and small tweaks rather than major outward-facing changes, but there are a couple changes in tvOS 15.4.

The update adds support for captive Wi-Fi networks, which means that an iPhone or iPad can be used to connect your ‌Apple TV‌ to networks that require additional sign-in steps, such as in hotel rooms.

tvOS 15.4 introduces an "Up Next" queue directly to the video player to make it easier to get from show to show when you're watching television, plus it includes a new volume button that's accessible from the video player, plus "Tap to Navigate" has returned as an accessibility option and spatial audio controls have also been redesigned.

tvOS 15.4 also allows you to complete a purchase on the ‌Apple TV‌ using an Apple Watch, and adds the ability to display HomeKit cameras in Picture in Picture mode while watching TV.

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Related Forum: Apple TV and Home Theater

Top Rated Comments

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yabeweb
53 months ago

I wondered the same. People bring their AppleTV to hotels or pubic spots? It’s not that portable, plus you need to carry a TV/monitor. Odd, it seems
Most hotels have a tv...you do not need to bring your own.. and Apple Tv is quite portable...am I missing something?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
D
doolittle27
53 months ago
Library tab for large collection remains broken on the Apple TV app.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zorinlynx Avatar
zorinlynx
53 months ago

Ive done this many times. Particularly works well for Airbnb/VRBO, too.
Same here. In fact, dealing with captive portals was the last hurdle to making the ATV a perfect travel companion for watching media. Nothing beats having your own device with your own streaming logins/etc. when you're at a hotel. Not to mention most hotel TV systems SUCK or aren't subscribed to stuff you want to watch.

Of course I'll have to see how it works next time I travel. I can't find information anywhere and it's not like I have a captive portal wifi available at home to test with.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
C
coolfactor
53 months ago

Pro tip: After this update my Apple TV would not load the settings app and the long press to reveal the right lateral menu also didn't work. Not even after a reboot.

The fix is to pull out the power cord and wait a few seconds. Quality job from Apple!
Quality job on assuming that everybody will have this problem and that it's a quality-control problem! 😜
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
S
_Spinn_
53 months ago
The thought of taking my AppleTV to my hotel room never even occurred to me 🤣
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Fenryx Avatar
Fenryx
53 months ago
Anyone know if this fixes the issue with Audio cutting out when playing Atmos content on a receiver?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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