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Getting started with Apple TV app management
Hexnode UEM provides IT administrators with centralized control to secure, manage, and distribute applications on tvOS devices. A key feature of this system is the ability to manage apps remotely, including silent installations on supervised devices.
Below is the structured workflow for managing Apple TV applications.
Prerequisites: Device Enrollment
Before you can manage apps, the tvOS devices must be enrolled in the Hexnode UEM portal.
- Requirement: Devices must be enrolled and communicating with the MDM server.
- Best Practice: For advanced features like silent installation, ensure devices are Supervised (typically via Apple Business Manager or Apple Configurator).
Installing Apps
Hexnode allows for the distribution of various app types.
Enterprise App Installation
For internal or custom-built applications (.IPA files):
- Add to Inventory: Upload the enterprise app to the Hexnode App Inventory.
- Assign to Device: Deploy the app to a single device or a device group.
- Silent Install: On Supervised tvOS devices, these apps install silently without requiring user interaction or Apple ID entry.
VPP (Volume Purchase Program) Deployment
VPP deployment, for App Store apps and bulk licensing:
- Integration: Link your Apple Business Manager (ABM) account with Hexnode using a VPP token.
- App Types: Deploy Public Store apps, Enterprise apps, or Custom B2B apps.
- Benefit: Allows organizations to purchase licenses in bulk and assign them to devices, bypassing the need for personal Apple IDs on the device.
Updating Apps
Keep applications up-to-date to ensure security and feature parity.
- Process: To update an Enterprise App, upload the new version of the IPA file to the Hexnode portal (replacing the old one).
- Action: Execute the “Install Application” command again. The system detects the newer version and updates the app on the target devices.
App Uninstallation
Administrators can remove applications remotely to free up space or enforce compliance.
- Remote Removal: Initiate the uninstall command from the Hexnode console.
- No Physical Access: The process is entirely over-the-air and does not require physical access to the Apple TV.
Troubleshooting Apple TV App Management
Common issues encountered when you manage apps on Apple TV and their solutions.
Issue: App Installation Status is Stuck at “Pending”
Cause 1: The device is asleep or disconnected from Wi-Fi.
Fix: Wake the device and ensure it is connected to the network.
Cause 2: The VPP Token has expired.
Fix: Renew the server token in Hexnode using your Apple Business Manager account.
Issue: “No Available Application License” Error
Cause: You are trying to install a VPP app, but all purchased licenses are already in use.
Fix: Log in to Apple Business Manager, purchase additional licenses for the specific app, and sync the VPP token in Hexnode.
Issue: Silent Installation Failed
Cause: The device is not Supervised.
Fix: Silent installation of apps is restricted to Supervised devices. Unsupervised devices may prompt the user for confirmation or Apple ID credentials.
Issue: Enterprise App “Integrity Could Not Be Verified”
Cause: The provisioning profile or the enterprise certificate used to sign the app has expired or is not trusted.
Fix: Re-sign the app with a valid certificate and upload the new IPA file to the Hexnode inventory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can App Store Apps be installed silently on Apple TV?
Yes, but only if you use Apple VPP (Volume Purchase Program) and the device is Supervised. If you deploy an App Store app without VPP, the device will prompt the user to sign in with a personal Apple ID to download it.
Q: Does “Apple TV manage apps” capability include blocking the App Store?
Yes. If the device is Supervised, you can create a policy to hide the App Store icon entirely, preventing users from installing unapproved apps.
Q: Does the Apple TV need an Apple ID to install Enterprise apps?
No. Enterprise apps uploaded directly to Hexnode do not require an Apple ID on the device for installation.
Q: Can I schedule app updates for a specific time?
While you cannot “schedule” the exact second of installation, you can deploy the update command during off-hours. The device will process the command as soon as it receives it, provided it is awake and connected to the internet.
