making USB-C accessory for Apple TV

App & System Services Core OS
CaptainBigVinny OP
Created Oct ’15
Replies 8
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I'd love to develop a hardware accessory that connects with the new Apple TV via USB-C. Peole will be able to use our tvOS app to make the accessory do fun stuff.

  • I assume tvOS supports that. Do you know which framework/OS layer does the job?
  • It is critical that my hardware can draw sufficient power from Apple TV via USB-C... so that it doesn't need batteries. Does Apple TV allow that? If yes, what kind of output power can my hardware reliably draw? We need 500mA.
  • Is it a requirement for my hardware accessory to be part of the Apple MFi Program? The Apple MFi website's FAQ doesn't say anything about that.


Many thx!

Replies  8
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Zwilnik OP
Oct ’15

The USB C port is there only for development and ability to restore the device and not for general use. So there's no API for its use.

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CaptainBigVinny OP
Oct ’15

Thx, Zwilnik. Are you saying that Apple exposes the USB C port on every Apple TV purely for the benefit of the developers? It feels odd.... why would Apple do that? Doesn't sound consumer friendly. They could have USB C port on dev kit... and not expose it on consumer units... unless this is for tech support purpose?


Would appreciate additional insight or an official words from Apple on this.

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ckd OP
Oct ’15

Apple would do that for the same reason they provide a Micro-USB port on the Apple TV 3: "for service and support."


It's not purely for the benefit of developers, it's for the benefit of anybody that, for whatever reason, finds themselves having to restore their Apple TV.

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junkpile OP
Oct ’15

I believe it's there so you can plug it in to your Mac as a peripheral and restore it with iTunes.


The port is not there to connect peripherals *to* the Apple TV. It's there to connect it *as* a peripheral for software installation if needed.

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CaptainBigVinny OP
Oct ’15

Thx you guys! I understood now. The keyword is that "USB‑C is for service and support"


Looks like my only option is to do it via Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE). According to Apple's staff's response on another posting, CoreBluetooth is available on tvOS. https://forums.developer.apple.com/thread/17457?q=tvOS%20ble


If anyone is working on a BLE accessory for Apple TV, please share any lessons you have in the trenches. =D

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SpiderKenny OP
Oct ’15

Have a look at mfi.apple.com

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CaptainBigVinny OP
Oct ’15

Thx, SpiderKenny. I heard about MFi. But according to its FAQ page (see below), I am not required to join the program, since I will be using only Bluetooth Low Energy to connect to Apple TV. Is there a compelling reason to join in my case?


https://mfi.apple.com/MFiWeb/getFAQ.action#4-2

I want to develop an accessory that communicates with an Apple device using only Bluetooth Low Energy. Do I need to join the MFi Program?

No. Accessories which connect to an Apple device using only Bluetooth Low Energy/BTLE/Bluetooth 4.0 or standard Bluetooth profiles supported by iOS are not part of the MFi Program.

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junkpile OP
Oct ’15

I thought the main reason to join was to be able to use the "made for iPhone" etc. logos on your hardware product packaging. If you don't need / want that then I suspect you wouldn't need to join.


Disclaimer: I have no experience with hardware development like that myself.

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