tvOSspecific

tvOSspecific is a label used in documentation, code, and discussions to denote content that is specific to tvOS, Apple's operating system for the Apple TV. It marks APIs, UI patterns, and design considerations that do not apply to iOS, macOS, or watchOS. In practice, tvOSspecific material often involves features unique to television apps, such as the focus-based remote navigation, Top Shelf extensions, and TVMLKit/TVUIKit components.

Code organization and portability: tvOSspecific sections are commonly guarded by conditional compilation flags (for example, #if os(tvOS) in Swift) or placed in separate tvOS targets to prevent compilation on other platforms. This helps keep shared codebases clean while isolating platform-specific implementations.

User interface and input: tvOS apps rely on a remote control and the UIFocus engine for navigation, rather than touch. Interfaces typically emphasize larger, focusable elements and keyboard-style navigation, with design decisions that accommodate different viewing distances and screen sizes unique to televisions. Some iOS gestures or APIs may be unavailable or behave differently on tvOS.

APIs and frameworks: not all iOS APIs are available on tvOS, and some behave differently due to the platform’s input model and app lifecycle. Developers should consult tvOS documentation to determine availability and recommended patterns for tvOS-specific features, such as Top Shelf content providers or TVUIKit components.

See also: iOSspecific, macOSspecific, UIFocusEngine, TVMLKit, Top Shelf, tvOS.