Accessing iTunes (not Apple TV+) on a new tv

[Tokyo Sox]

We got a new TV (Panasonic, if that matters), the first that we've had where there are pre-set buttons on the remote for Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+ etc etc.

There is also a button for "Apps" which has a bunch of domestic Japanese stuff, DAZN, and then also Apple TV+. When I go into Apple TV+, there is only the original Apple content stuff on there and I cannot figure out how to access my existing iTunes library of tv shows and movies, or how to rent new ones.

Do I need to download it as a separate app to the tv? Am I missing something within the Apple TV+ app?

TIA for any ideas.

 

[Tokyo Sox]

the Apple website support page tells me i should see a handful of icons across the top bar on the site -- Apple TV+, Library, Store, Search, Settings, etc.

Unfortunately I only have Apple TV+, MLS, search, and settings.

 

[canderson]

Do you a Roku or Chromecast or anything? If so use Apple TV + there and see if you find your content. It might be a TV app issue.

 

[Tokyo Sox]

Do you a Roku or Chromecast or anything? If so use Apple TV + there and see if you find your content. It might be a TV app issue.

hmm no don't have or use either of those

 

[Scott Cooper's Grand Slam]

Apple makes two apps for Smart TVs:

• Apple TV: Thia is the full experience. It includes access to your iTunes library, as well as access to other features like all of Apple TV+. Friday Night Baseball, AirPlay streaming, and integration with other streaming services for the unified "Up Next" queue that'll show you shows across various streaming services all in one place.
• Apple TV+: This only includes access to Apple TV originals (like Hijack and Ted Lasso) and MLS.

Unfortunately, if "Apple TV+" is the only app available for your TV, then you'll need a streaming device (like the Amazon Firestick, Chromecast, Roku, or Apple TV device) to get the Apple TV app. I'd recommend the Apple TV hardware. It's the most expensive, but it's also the nicest for someone who is in the Apple ecosystem. Its added features include Dolby Vision, full HomeKit and Siri support, and wireless pairing of HomePod devices as speakers.

Edited to add: Sorry to be the bearer of bad news in terms of "you'll need to spend extra to do this thing that you thought your TV could do out of the box," but if it's any consolation - native TV software is universally bad. Any of the boxes listed above will be an improvement in security, privacy, performance, and ease of use.

 

[Bowhemian]

Is using airplay an option?

 

[Gdiguy]

I *think* (and quick googling seems to confirm) that you can link your iTunes account with MoviesAnywhere, which in theory would let you see those purchases on other apps (I've tended to use Vudu to watch that stuff, which is primarily Disney movie digital purchases but also some other stuff)

*edit I obviously have zero idea whether / to what degree this works outside the US

 

[Tokyo Sox]

Apple makes two apps for Smart TVs:

• Apple TV: Thia is the full experience. It includes access to your iTunes library, as well as access to other features like all of Apple TV+. Friday Night Baseball, AirPlay streaming, and integration with other streaming services for the unified "Up Next" queue that'll show you shows across various streaming services all in one place.
• Apple TV+: This only includes access to Apple TV originals (like Hijack and Ted Lasso) and MLS.

Unfortunately, if "Apple TV+" is the only app available for your TV, then you'll need a streaming device (like the Amazon Firestick, Chromecast, Roku, or Apple TV device) to get the Apple TV app. I'd recommend the Apple TV hardware. It's the most expensive, but it's also the nicest for someone who is in the Apple ecosystem. Its added features include Dolby Vision, full HomeKit and Siri support, and wireless pairing of HomePod devices as speakers.

Edited to add: Sorry to be the bearer of bad news in terms of "you'll need to spend extra to do this thing that you thought your TV could do out of the box," but if it's any consolation - native TV software is universally bad. Any of the boxes listed above will be an improvement in security, privacy, performance, and ease of use.

Thanks to everyone for the replies & the help. This seems to be the issue. We spoke to the Panasonic help desk to see if the normal Apple TV was downloadable as an app, and since it is not, we'll just buy an external Apple TV device.

Appreciate it, thank you.