Apple TV Remote comes to the Mac with this new, free app

Source: 9to5Mac

Apple offers an Apple TV Remote app on iPhone, iPad, and even Apple Watch—but not the Mac. So one developer created his own solution: Itsytv, a new macOS app for controlling your Apple TV.

Have you ever wanted a quick, easy way to control an Apple TV from the Mac? Developer Nick Ustinov wanted one too—so he built it.

Itsytv is a free menu‑bar app for Mac that lets you control your Apple TV’s playback, launch apps, adjust volume, and more.

You can download Itsytv for free here.

Features (via the website)

• Native macOS – Built with Swift and SwiftUI; no Electron or web views. Runs silently in your menu bar.
• App launcher – Browse all installed Apple TV apps in a grid with App Store icons. Launch any app in one click.
• Navigate with keyboard – Arrow keys, Return, Space, Escape — control your Apple TV without touching the mouse.
• Text input – Type search queries and passwords on your Mac keyboard instead of pecking letters on the TV screen.
• Now playing – See what’s playing with album artwork, title, artist, and a live progress bar in your menu bar.
• Multi‑device – Pair multiple Apple TVs on your network and switch between them instantly.
• Secure – End‑to‑end encrypted communication with your Apple TV. Pairing credentials are stored securely in Keychain.

Ustinov is also the developer behind Itsyhome, a Mac menu‑bar app for controlling HomeKit devices. Both apps are entirely free, though Itsyhome offers a ‘Pro’ purchase to support ongoing development.