Apple UK accounts vs Apple TV bought in UK

DavisBXL

Hi all,

A friend living abroad asked for advice about buying a new gen. Apple TV. Specific aim is convenient access to BBC iplayer.

Leaving aside the VPN aspects, as a non-Apple user I am curious if she would have issues in downloading the app.

Is it a case of having a UK account or just changing the location settings on the device? If it's the former, does it require a UK credit card to register the account or a valid UK ph number?

Probably a dumb question, but just to be sure - there is no need to buy the Apple TV in the UK, right? i.e. it wouldn't come with iPlayer pre-installed or prevent possible problems?

Thanks a lot!

arch_stanton

DavisBXL wrote: »

Hi all,

A friend living abroad asked for advice about buying a new gen. Apple TV. Specific aim is convenient access to BBC iplayer.

Leaving aside the VPN aspects, as a non-Apple user I am curious if she would have issues in downloading the app.

Is it a case of having a UK account or just changing the location settings on the device? If it's the former, does it require a UK credit card to register the account or a valid UK ph number?

Probably a dumb question, but just to be sure - there is no need to buy the Apple TV in the UK, right? i.e. it wouldn't come with iPlayer pre-installed or prevent possible problems?

Thanks a lot!

It doesn't matter where you buy the device. They all come with just the apple stock apps and then you download the rest from the app store.

You need to make a free UK iTunes account to install the iPlayer app as it only appears on the UK app store. When entering the details you can choose not to enter payment details so you don't need a UK credit card. Once the app is installed they can switch back to their iTunes account for their home country.

In order to use the app some trickery is required but we're not allowed to discuss that here. I'm Smart with my DNS and it works well.

DavisBXL

Thanks a lot. No worries on the trickery!

That's all i needed to know. Much appreciated