Here’s what ChatGPT has to say about the matter:
To play an M3U file (commonly used for IPTV playlists) on an Apple TV, you'll need to use a third-party app since Apple TV doesn’t natively support M3U playlist files. Here are a few solid options and steps to get it working:
Option 1: Use an IPTV App (easiest way)
Apps like IPTV Smarters, GSE SMART IPTV, or iPlayTV are designed to handle M3U files.
🔹 iPlayTV (Recommended – Paid)
- Install iPlayTV from the App Store on your Apple TV.
- Open the app.
- Choose "Add Playlist" → Select M3U URL.
- Enter your M3U playlist URL.
- Optionally enter EPG (Electronic Program Guide) URL if you have one.
- Save and start watching your channels.
🔹 IPTV Smarters Pro
- Download IPTV Smarters from the Apple TV App Store.
- Choose “Load Your Playlist or File/URL.”
- Select M3U URL, and input your playlist credentials.
- Click Add User, and it will fetch your channels.
Option 2: Use AirPlay from iPhone/Mac
If you prefer not to install anything directly on Apple TV:
- Use an IPTV app like VLC or GSE Smart IPTV on your iPhone/iPad or Mac.
- Load the M3U file into the app.
- Tap the AirPlay icon to stream to Apple TV.
Optional Tip:
If you have a local .m3u file instead of a URL, you can:
- Convert it into a hosted URL by uploading it to Dropbox, Google Drive, or your own server, then paste the link into the IPTV app on Apple TV.