Tim Cook: Apple Will Offer API for Apple TV's Universal Search

In an interview with BuzzFeed News Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has revealed that the company will soon open an API for developers to take advantage of the Universal Search feature in tvOS on the fourth generation Apple TV.

When Apple TV 4 launches though later this month, its universal search feature will initially only work with content partners like iTunes, Netflix, Hulu, Showtime, and HBO.

“At launch we’ll have iTunes, Netflix, Hulu, Showtime, and HBO — so we’ll have five major inputs into universal search initially,” Cook said. “But we’re also opening an API, so that others can join in.”

The CEO of Apple also reveals in the interview that Apple will not favor any particular content provider, and automatically prioritise the one where the particular content you are searching for is available for free. Apple has also worked out how to display results in cases where different seasons of the show are available through different providers.