LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda.com, is a popular online learning platform that offers thousands of video courses taught by industry experts. With a LinkedIn Learning subscription, you can access the full course library and learn valuable skills related to business, technology, design, and more. But can you access LinkedIn Learning content right on your Apple TV?
LinkedIn Learning overview
LinkedIn Learning is an e-learning platform owned by LinkedIn that includes over 16,000 courses across business, technology, creative and professional topics. Here’s an overview of key things to know about LinkedIn Learning:
- Formerly known as Lynda.com, LinkedIn acquired the platform in 2015.
- Courses are taught by recognized industry experts.
- Covers topics like business strategy, graphic design, web development, photography, and more.
- Includes bite-sized video lessons you can access anytime.
- Offered as a paid subscription service, with both individual and enterprise plans.
- Integrates with LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills and certifications.
- Can watch courses and videos online or using mobile apps.
With comprehensive courses taught by real-world professionals, LinkedIn Learning is a valuable tool for anyone looking to gain in-demand skills for career or personal growth.
Can you get LinkedIn Learning on Apple TV?
Unfortunately, there is currently no official LinkedIn Learning app available for Apple TV. LinkedIn Learning’s streaming video courses are designed primarily to be accessed via web browser or mobile apps. Here are some key reasons why LinkedIn Learning is not yet available on Apple TV:
- No tvOS app – LinkedIn Learning does not have an app optimized for the tvOS platform that runs on Apple TV.
- Focus on web/mobile – The platform’s video player and interface are designed for web and mobile, not TV screens.
- Lack of mouse/keyboard – Apple TV lacks support for mouse/keyboard controls needed to easily navigate LinkedIn Learning.
- User authentication – LinkedIn Learning requires login, which can be difficult to implement on a TV platform like Apple TV.
- Content restrictions – Some LinkedIn Learning video content may have platform restrictions preventing use on TV.
Without an official tvOS app, there is no way to directly access LinkedIn Learning on an Apple TV currently. However, there are a couple potential workarounds, though they have limitations.
Workaround 1: Airplay from iOS device
If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, you can use AirPlay to wirelessly stream content from the LinkedIn Learning app to your Apple TV. Here’s how:
- Make sure both your iOS device and Apple TV are connected to the same wireless network.
- Open the LinkedIn Learning app on your iOS device and start playing a video.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the iOS Control Center.
- Tap the AirPlay icon, then select your Apple TV.
- The LinkedIn Learning video will start playing on your TV screen.
AirPlaying from an iOS device is the easiest way to get LinkedIn Learning content on your TV. However, there are some downsides to this method:
- Must manually control playback from iOS device.
- iOS device must stay on and app open for it to work.
- Higher battery drain streaming to TV.
- Lower video quality than native tvOS app.
Workaround 2: Screen mirroring Mac or PC
If you have an Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD (2015 or newer), you can use screen mirroring to display your Mac or Windows PC screen on your TV. Here’s how to mirror LinkedIn Learning from computer to Apple TV:
- Connect your computer and Apple TV to the same network.
- Make sure screen mirroring is enabled on your Apple TV under Settings > AirPlay.
- Open LinkedIn Learning in your web browser and start playing a video.
- Click the AirPlay icon in your computer’s menu bar and select your Apple TV.
- Your computer screen will now be mirrored to the TV.
Screen mirroring allows you to access LinkedIn Learning or any other website on your TV. But there are some limitations:
- Computer screen must stay on and browser open.
- Latency between mouse inputs on computer and TV.
- Lower video quality compared to native app.
- Surrounding computer UI also mirrored to TV.
Will LinkedIn Learning ever launch on Apple TV?
While LinkedIn Learning is not currently available on Apple TV, there is a possibility it could launch officially on the platform in the future. Here are some reasons why LinkedIn Learning on Apple TV makes sense:
- Large Apple TV user base – Over 30 million active Apple TV devices in use as of 2022.
- TV advantage for instructional video – Viewing educational videos on a TV provides a more immersive experience.
- Screen mirroring workaround – Existing screen mirroring behavior shows demand for access.
- Engaged userbase – LinkedIn Learning users are professionals motivated to learn.
- Revenue opportunity – App could help drive more LinkedIn Learning subscriptions.
On the other hand, developing a full native tvOS app requires significant investment. And it’s unclear if Apple TV usage would cannibalize iOS/web usage or attract new customers. But overall there appears to be a strategic advantage to LinkedIn Learning launching on Apple TV.
Possible 2023-2024 LinkedIn TV app launch
Looking at LinkedIn Learning’s typical app release cycles, development timelines, and Apple TV’s growing importance as a video streaming platform, it’s quite possible LinkedIn could launch an Apple TV app sometime within the 2023-2024 timeframe or in the next 1-2 years. Key factors that increase likelihood of a tvOS launch for LinkedIn Learning include:
- LinkedIn’s increased focus on video content overall
- Success of their iOS and Android apps
- Expanded Apple TV content and capabilities
- Continued Apple TV sales growth
- More affordable Apple TV 4K 2021 model
With video streaming wars heating up, LinkedIn Learning will need to expand to new platforms like Apple TV to reach users wherever they consume content. An app would allow LinkedIn to provide a optimized, seamless experience. While not confirmed, a 2023 or 2024 LinkedIn Learning Apple TV launch seems like a realistic possibility based on current trends.
Apple TV app requirements and development
If LinkedIn does decide to launch on Apple TV, they’ll need to make sure the new tvOS app adheres to Apple’s strict requirements and interface guidelines. Here are some key considerations for LinkedIn Learning’s Apple TV app development:
- Adapt interface for TV screen and Siri remote.
- Support HD and 4K HDR streaming video playback.
- Implement tvOS design patterns for navigation and playback.
- Enable authentication with LinkedIn login credentials.
- Optimize video performance over IP networks.
- Integrate with Apple TV features like universal search.
Developing an Apple TV app also requires the following:
- An Apple Developer Program membership.
- An Apple-issued certificate for signing the app.
- Testing on actual Apple TV hardware.
- Following the Apple TV Human Interface Guidelines.
- Using Xcode and tvOS SDK for app dev and testing.
While launching the first Apple TV app involves significant upfront development, once the tvOS app is created it can be iterated on and expanded over time. The investment required may be substantial but it could pay off by opening up Apple TV’s engaged user base to LinkedIn Learning.
Conclusion
In summary, there is currently no way to directly access LinkedIn Learning video courses on Apple TV without workarounds like AirPlay from an iOS device or screen mirroring from a computer. LinkedIn has not yet developed an official Apple TV app optimized for the tvOS platform. However, given LinkedIn Learning’s popularity and Apple TV’s growth as a video streaming device, there is a strong case to be made for LinkedIn launching an Apple TV app in the next 1-2 years. While not guaranteed, a 2023 or 2024 LinkedIn Learning Apple TV release seems highly plausible based on current industry trends. For professionals looking to access LinkedIn Learning on the biggest screen possible, the launch of a native Apple TV app would be a welcome addition.