UPDATE 3/28/17: Yesterday ZwiftHQ put out the call for Apple TV beta testers. Read more here >
We’ve heard talk of Zwift coming to Apple TV for several months now, but the major barrier was Apple limiting the app bundle size to 200MB, forcing Zwift’s programmers to break the app into different pieces before it could run on Apple TV.
Last Thursday (January 12) Apple announced they have increased the app size limit from 200MB to 4GB. While this wasn’t major news in Apple’s world, this move eliminates the main barrier ZwiftHQ was facing in bringing Zwift to Apple TV, so it has certainly moved Zwift’s tvOS launch date up significantly.
Quoting Game Master Jon Mayfield:
… tvOS lets you have huge applications, however the .app file could only be 200MB before. That meant you had to chop things up into pieces and manage these pieces coming down. It was going to be the same MB as iOS, just a lot more hassle to deal with.
Now that hassle is gone.
ZwiftHQ has already showcased Zwift on Apple TV publicly, but there is still some work to be done on the interface before it can launch.
What’s the Big Deal?
With the 32GB Apple TV available for $149US, this puts Zwift within reach of even more users.
Zwift running on Apple TV is important because Apple TV is the lowest-price new device which can run Zwift. Yes, you can find used computers or iDevices more cheaply, but there are no new systems in this price range which can run Zwift at a decent level of quality apart from Apple TV.
#RideOn!
Fantastic news! I’m new to Zwift, but have found the iPhone version Airplayed to AppleTV on a projector the best way (despite the current lack of sound!). Zwift have already said that the audio bug is going to be sorted any day with the next iOS release, but being able to run it natively on my ATV4 will be even more simple (and enable me to use the mobile link app again – much nicer for control). Now just to integrate support for the HR monitor on the Apple Watch via the mobile link app, and all will be good!
I believe with the latest iOS release that came out on Sunday(1/23), the sound problem is fixed and they have also integrated the Apple Watch with the app also. I did test the sound issue and it is fixed now. I don’t own an Apple Watch.
IWatch HR Monitor isn’t that good “during activity”, it’s better during less “jerky” exercise like cycling, but still not brilliant. I use my wahoo tickr rather than my iWatch 2.
What about running?
Running is already available in Zwift iOS (https://zwiftinsider.com/zwift-running-easter-egg/)–my guess it would be available in the Apple TV version as well, when it comes out. But that’s just a guess.
Why don’t they use game consoles like Xbox PS4 and the Wii. Everybody already has them and I would think they could easily handle Zwift.
Not sure how easy it would be to port Zwift to games consoles, mostly down to the fact that it has to interact with a wide range of accessories via Bluetooth LE / ANT+. May or may not be straightforward. The Wii would probably be out, unless a proprietary sensor could be made, possibly the same for the PS4/Xbox…? Would be interesting to hear if anyone knows more…
The “Zwift to game consoles” concerns you raise would be the same logistics that would be worked through for the ATV. One solution, already in use, is to use a tethered devices on the same network (app on a mobile phone/tablet) for the sensors.
I have a 1st and 2nd gen ATV, each of which were retired a few years ago and replaced by a ROKU 3. The ROKU 3 is seeing less and less use as my XBOX One handles the majority of streaming.
+1 for the XBOX One port!
Good point on the mobile link tethering solution – certainly one way to get around it. I’m sure Zwift have their reasons, and I’m also sure we’ll see these versions happen if possible/worthwhile. Companies don’t restrict their platforms for no reason generally 🙂
Everybody has them? I don’t.
Neither do I. Not a console/gaming fan (well, not since Doom II). A release on Apple TV will open Zwift up to a huge audience, able to get onto the platform quicker and much cheaper than buying an iPad or expensive gaming laptop!
Seems an Xbox One solution wouldn’t be much of a stretch since it’s base OS is Windows 10 for which there is already a supporting app. For ease of setup I would love to have an Xbox One solution but I will settle for the AppleTV solution. Thanks for the many great post Eric.
You’re welcome!
What would the graphics quality look like on Apple TV?
Will the ATV Zwift run on prior gen-ATV? (gen-3, gen-2 or 1)?
Apps run exclusively on ATV4 only.
Any news on release for Apple TV app?
Any news…??
Waiting for ATV version of Zwift. Please update us asap.
Crickets…
Tumble weeds….. wooooosh!
ZwiftHQ has put out the call for Apple TV beta testers! 4th gen only: https://zwiftinsider.com/apple-tv-beta/
Hi, I put my name down for Beta testing, I havn’t heard anything back. What’s the currently status of Beta and final release?
It is extremely exciting. When can we see the final version? I think many cyclists are waiting for the good news.
Still looking for a Beta ro final release! Where is my Zwift for TvOS?
Can I use a custom workout file created by my coach with the apple TV version of zwift?
Any updates on when the final version will be released?
Haven’t heard anything from ZwiftHQ.
after the new OS this week, any update on release date for ATV?
Article was in January and says it’s coming soon. Any idea what it taking so long?