The Apple TV app is now available on the TELUS TV Digital Box

[Amyj]

Customers with the TELUS TV Digital Box can now access the Apple TV app¹ directly through our platform, so you can enjoy more of your favourite content, all in one place.

How to access the Apple TV app on the TELUS TV Digital Box: 

• Simply select ‘apps’ on your remote 
• Sign in with your Apple ID
• Get direct access to award-winning Apple Original series and films from Apple TV+², and more on the Apple TV app1

Other apps available for direct access include Netflix, Prime Video and Hayu and can be found via the apps button on your remote.  Follow the same steps above to sign in and seamlessly enjoy all of your entertainment in one place.³ 

 

 

1- Some content requires specific hardware or software. Internet access required. Data fees may apply. Content prices and availability are subject to change. 

2 -Apple TV+ subscription required. Apple TV+ is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions. Current as of April 3, 2023, regular price of Apple TV+ is $8.99/mo plus applicable taxes. Additional Terms and Apple Privacy Policy apply. See the applicable terms for your country at https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/. Must be 13+ years old and in Canada. 

3- Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and/or Hayu subscription/account activation required. Terms and conditions apply.

[bskitmor]

I have a 4k Telus set top box (3 years plus) but do not see Apple TV when I hit the apps button on the Optik remote.  Had a few exchanges with Telus support.  They did not seem to be aware that this capability exists..

[Superman77]

It doesn’t show up on my digital box either. How do I add this?

[bskitmor]

The TV streaming jungle! I have been unable to confirm that Telus or Arris has authored an Apple TV client that will run on the current Telus 4k set top boxes (per ROKU and Amazon Firestick).  There is apparently an IOS version of the Optik TV client that will run on the Apple TV set top box -- this is described on the Telus website, but it's not what I want.  The only way that I can currently run Apple TV content on my 12 year old Samsung TV is to run that content on my laptop's Chrome browser and connect the laptop directly to the TV's HDMI port or cast to a similarly attached Google Chromecast device.  Or, I can of course weaken and contribute $200 to the Apple oligopoly by purchasing an Apple TV set top box.

[Jefferero]

When will Apple TV be available through my Telus + box? I tried to access through the 'apps' button, tried to click on Apple TV - it says 'item not found'.  Apple TV is in the popular apps section, but it is not in the installed app section.  When will it be installed?

thanks

~J

[Jefferero]

I still can't access the Apple TV+ app through Optik.  Tech support told me to phone Apple.

[Jefferero]

A response from Telus (Amyj the moderator?) would be appreciated. thanks

[FuzzyLogic]

I believe this is referring to the new Optik TV box as shown here:

New Digital TV Box & Cloud PVR - Optik TV Hardware | TELUS

I checked and the App is there and I was able to launch it but haven't subscribed to the service. Not sure when, or if, it will appear on the older Telus hardware.

[Jefferero]

thanks very much!! that us useful intel... 🙂 have a good one!

[Superman77]

@FuzzyLogic 

Thanks for the link. Gonna call TELUS now and ask for it. Will update when and if I get the new box. 

[Superman77]

So after 4 days and numerous phone calls to TELUS I learned I’m not eligible to order their new tv service called Optik Core because I have what they call Optik Legacy. To be eligible for core I have to be a new subscriber. I can’t even cancel my services and resubscribe, I would still only be eligible for their legacy service. 

So once again TELUS has given the middle finger to their loyal customers only to welcome new customers. 

[Jefferero]

@Superman77 thanks for sharing your experience I agree, that's pretty weak...

[FuzzyLogic]

My understanding is Telus does plan to roll out the new hardware to existing customers at some point.

If it's any consolation there have been more than a few reported issues with the new system. Also some of the features that are available on the older hardware have yet to be migrated.

There is some info here on features and issues with the new system:

Optik TV Bulletin Board: Discover, Discuss, and De... - TELUS Neighbourhood

[bskitmor]

Fair enough -- they would have to address cost, availability and stability before doing a mass rollout.  One question -- there is currently no Apple TV Android app, so the only way to get Apple content through the new box would be via Chrome or Firefox (if either is provided)

[FuzzyLogic]

As mentioned earlier I was able to install and run Apple TV on the new android box. I don't have a subscription so I can't confirm that it works as expected.

[bskitmor]

Much better than running Apple TV on a Windows laptop and casting or HDMIing to the TV!

[Jefferero]

Well, after much back and forth with TELUS Tech support, they finally sent me a new box, and everything is working just fine!

[bskitmor]

I have managed to convince Telus to do the same for me.  The menus and content on the old 4k set top box were not aligned with my Optik TV contract (TVPlus) as enabled by browsing sessions on my desktop, laptop and Android phone.

[bskitmor]

Not so fast Lone Ranger!  When the boxes arrived it turns out they were exactly the same as what I have installed now (Arris legacy units).  Unfortunately I didn't clue in until I had been through the whole install process.  I have sent a rant message to the Telus management thread -- not too optimistic for a solution any time soon.  I suspect a supply problem with the Android boxes -- looking to go 3rd party.

[Netgran]

I've  bern a TELUS subscriber since 2017. I just checked my TELUS APPS and there's no AppleTV option. I see this is an ongoing issue apparently. 

[FuzzyLogic]

As mentioned previously AppleTV is currently only supported on the new Android TV digital boxes which are being rolled out to new customers.

There has been no word on whether it will be available on the older hardware. I suspect not and that Telus will be concentrating their efforts on the new platform.

[bskitmor]

I finally got an agent to confirm that I have reached a dead end in my "hunt the new Android box" quest. Per FuzzLogic's post -- new customers only get the box for now.  I have been added to some squeaky wheel existing customer list for receipt of a new box -- we'll see if and when a shiny Jade box arrives chez moi.  Meanwhile I replaced my Chromecast device with the new Google TV enabled version -- currently on sale at the Google Store for around $51.  So now I can get Telus TV+ content using the Telus Android app and get a bunch of other streaming apps including Apple TV -- i.e. likely anything available on Google play.  No record function of course -- but I can still use the legacy box/service to record, assuming I can find the content (don't record much anymore -- maybe next World Cup).

[KarenHillyard76]

You need to speak to the Loyalty Group.  That is the only group that can authorize an upgrade to this box if you are an existing customer.  Tell them that on the Telus forum that existing customers have been upgraded which means there should be no reason you can’t.  Just a note there maybe a higher rental fee.   

[bskitmor]

OK -- thanks.  I'll give them another try -- as you say they will likely charge for the new box.  Have you tried the Telus Cloud record yet?

[RandyInVan]

Why does Telus allow Apple TV+ to be added to an Optik plan when the customer has no way to watch Apple TV+ on their television?  I’m baffled that this is happening. It wouldn’t be a problem if Apple, like Disney and Prime, allowed an iPhone to stream via Chromecast. It doesn’t, and I can’t, so what am I paying for?

[bskitmor]

Maybe this works:

https://www.lifewire.com/cast-apple-tv-to-chromecast-5200829#:~:text=What%20to%20Know,don't%20need%2...

I have the Google TV edition of Chromecast and the Apple TV app is embedded therein so no problem but I subscribe to Apple directly not through Telus.  Cannot stream directly from my Android Pixel phone -- makes zero sense.  The Telus Android-based set top box should facilitate Apple streaming in the same way as Google TV -- if you can get one.

[FuzzyLogic]

There are many ways to watch Apple TV. Unfortunately if you have the older Telus Optik PVR it doesn't support it but the new Telus TV+ boxes do. Many smart TV's also have the ability. For more options:

How to watch Apple TV+, MLS Season Pass, and more - Apple Support (CA)

[bskitmor]

Just checked the requirements to qualify for a new digital (Android-based) set top.  The big one is that you need "High Speed" internet to make the list -- presumably I Gb or greater.  Also Telus will charge $10 per month for each box -- unless you are on a 2 year agreement then you get one for free.  I just upgraded to 1.5 Gb for 2 years, when I asked the loyalty about the Android box, he kind of glossed over it (otherwise he was great).  I'm going to put myself on the list and see what happens.

[bskitmor]

The other fine print item is if your TV plan is Basic or Essentials then it's another $10 per month to add recordings to each Digital box (presumably to cover the cost of cloud storage).  I have Essentials plus a bunch of add ons so not sure if I make the grade.  Going to pass for now.

[RandyInVan]

I don’t seem to have any casting options in any menus. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

Randy

[Cheko]

June 2024 and still no Apple TV when selecting apps on remote.  Is this issue ongoing or should I be pushing for a new pvr box?

[TELUS_Support]

Hey @Cheko you might need a new box if you don't see the app

[Superman77]

Only if it’s not on the android box.

[bskitmor]

You need the set top box that runs the Android OS which is the Telus latest: it supports loading apps from Play Store-- the old Arris boxes don't cut it.  I tried to get the new box a few times but gave up and went with Chromecast Google TV -- this gets you to Play Store so you can install Apple TV plus anything else on PS including Telus TV Plus. 

[Cheko]

Thank you, I’m going to give the request for a new box a try. Wish me luck

[bskitmor]

ok -- curious to hear how you do!