Apple does not make an IPTV app of its own, but the App Store has several good players that accept a standard login, and any of them can play Pillar IPTV. Once one is set up, your iPhone becomes a portable TV and an Apple TV box gives you the full lean-back experience.
If your login has not arrived yet, the getting started guide explains what to expect.
Picking a player from the App Store
Look for a player that accepts Xtream Codes logins (username, password and server address). That format brings in the channel list, on-demand sections and programme guide in one go. Players commonly used on Apple devices include IPTVX, iPlayTV, IPTV Smarters and GSE Smart IPTV; availability and pricing change, so read the current App Store listing. Some are free with in-app purchases, others charge once. Our player app comparison lays out the trade-offs.
One tip: buy or download the app on the device where you will use it most. Several players offer “universal” purchases, so one purchase covers iPhone, iPad and Apple TV.
iPhone and iPad
- Install your chosen player from the App Store.
- Open it and choose the Xtream Codes (or “add playlist with login”) option.
- Paste the server address, username and password from your login message. Pasting avoids the typing mistakes that cause most failed logins.
- Allow the app a minute to download the channel list and guide.
- Rotate the phone to landscape and try a live channel, then an on-demand film.
Apple TV
On an Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD, open the App Store on the box itself, search for the player and install it. Typing on the Apple TV keyboard is slow, so check whether your player offers a sync option: many let you set up the login on your iPhone and pass it to the Apple TV, or scan a QR code to enter details from your phone.
Connect the Apple TV with a network cable if you can. The 4K models have an Ethernet port (except the newest Wi-Fi-only variant), and a wired connection is the most reliable way to watch live sport.
AirPlay: from phone to television
If your television supports AirPlay (Apple TV boxes and many recent Samsung and LG sets do), you can start a stream on the iPhone and send it to the big screen with the AirPlay icon in the player. Not every IPTV player supports AirPlay for live channels, so test it during your free trial. Running the player directly on the Apple TV is usually smoother than AirPlay for long viewing sessions.
Settings worth changing
- Mobile data: choose a lower quality (HD rather than FHD or 4K) when you are away from Wi-Fi. An hour of FHD can use several gigabytes.
- Battery: lower the screen brightness and close other apps during a long match.
- Picture in Picture: on iPhone and iPad, many players let you keep watching in a small window while you use other apps.
- Favourites: build a short favourites list so you are not scrolling through every country’s channels on a small screen.
Screens and connections
Your login works on all your Apple devices, but each one playing at the same moment counts as a screen. A phone watching in the kitchen while the Apple TV plays in the lounge needs a two-screen plan; the multiple connections page explains how the plans work. If a stream stutters on Wi-Fi, the steps in IPTV freezing fixes apply to Apple devices too.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free IPTV app for iPhone?
Some players are free to download with optional in-app purchases. Check the current App Store listing, and make sure the app accepts Xtream Codes logins.
Can I watch on Apple TV without an iPhone?
Yes. Install the player directly on the Apple TV from its App Store and sign in with the remote. An iPhone just makes typing easier.
Does AirPlay use an extra connection?
No. AirPlay sends the picture from one device to the TV, so it still counts as one screen.
