Apple TV+: German users complain about playback problems with over-16 content
There are currently problems with streaming in the TV app on the Mac: If you want to watch "16+" shows, you can't always do so. So far there is only one tip.
(Image: Apple)
Users of Apple's TV app on macOS have been complaining about a strange bug for weeks: if they try to watch programs as part of their Apple TV+ subscription, the app refuses to allow them to do so if the content is only approved for people aged 16 and over. Of course, the users had previously indicated that they were adults – but the app keeps displaying a corresponding request.
macOS 15 makes a mess
Apparently only macOS 15 alias Sequoia – is affected, both with the previous version 15.4 and with the current version 15.5. The problem does not appear to occur on iPads, iPhones, and Apple TV devices. “I always confirm the window that I am [over 16]. But unfortunately that doesn't seem to do anything and I seem to be blocked for a day afterwards,” says one affected person in the official Apple forum, where there is already a longer thread. Apparently, the age query in the TV application is not saved correctly. In practice, this means that many interesting TV+ contents cannot be viewed despite a paid subscription.
Usual workarounds such as logging off and on in the TV app, changing or switching the age restrictions on and off in the system settings or de- and re-authorizing the Mac are said by users not to work. “Nothing has helped…”, writes one. As mentioned, hopes that the problem would be resolved with macOS 15.5 were not fulfilled. Apple has not yet provided any information on what to do. German users in particular seem to be impacted. If you have the issue, it is best to contact Apple's product support directly so that the company is aware of the consequences –. You could also try to reclaim the subscription fee.
Workaround in the browser
Currently, – there is only one concrete workaround apart from using other devices to access TV+ – on the Mac: Instead of using the TV app, you can also use the browser, for example Safari, to use your TV+ subscription. Although Safari has its own parental controls, these are managed via a separate system that is apparently not impacted by the bug mentioned.
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Using the browser to watch TV+ is not disruptive so far, but many users prefer the official TV app. “It's getting really ridiculous,” writes one affected user.
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