Network Extension Setup for tvOS

Setup for tvOS

By following these instructions, you will be able to successfully integrate WireGuard into your tvOS application.

Step 1: Project Structure

To begin, create a new WireGuard Network Extension target within your Xcode project. This target will house the necessary components for implementing the WireGuard VPN functionality. In addition to the Network Extension target, ensure that you have an Application target set up for your main tvOS app.

Step 2: Network Extension Setup

In the Info.plist file of your Network Extension target, set the NSExtensionPrincipalClass key to AFWireGuardTunnelProvider. This specifies the principal class for your network extension.

Next, create a new file named ProviderDelegate.swift and add the following code:

import WireguardTunnelProvider

class ProviderDelegate: NSObject, BaseNetworkExtensionDelegate {
    func vpnAppGroupData() -> VPNGroupData {
        VPNGroupData(groupID: "group.your.app.group", usesSystemExtension: false)
    }
    
    // Implement required delegate methods
}

This code defines a ProviderDelegate class that conforms to the BaseNetworkExtensionDelegate protocol. The vpnAppGroupData() method returns a VPNGroupData instance, specifying the app group ID and setting usesSystemExtension to false for tvOS.

Step 3: Framework Integration

To integrate the WireGuard framework into your project, follow these steps:

1. Add the WireguardTunnelProvider.xcframework to your Network Extension target.

2. In the "Embed" settings for the WireguardTunnelProvider framework, select "Do Not Embed" to avoid duplicating the framework in your app bundle.

3. Link the required frameworks to your Network Extension target:

   • NetworkExtension

   • libz.tbd

   • libresolv.tbd

Step 4: Build Settings

In your Network Extension target's build settings, make the following changes:

1. Set the "Enable Bitcode" option to "NO" to disable bitcode for the extension.

2. Add the -ObjC flag to the "Other Linker Flags" setting to ensure proper linking of Objective-C code.

Step 5: App Portal Configuration

To enable the necessary capabilities for your app, follow these steps in the Apple Developer Portal:

1. Enable the following capabilities for your app identifier:

   • Network Extensions

   • Personal VPN

   • App Groups

2. Create a new App Group and enable it for both your Application and Network Extension targets.

3. Generate and download the updated provisioning profiles for your targets.

Step 6: tvOS Specific Settings

When configuring the VPNGroupData for tvOS, make sure to set the usesSystemExtension property to false. This is specific to tvOS and differs from the configuration for other platforms.

Additionally, ensure that you use the correct bundle ID format for your tvOS network extension provider.

Important Note on Location Changing and Content Access

Implementing location changing capabilities through WireGuard does not guarantee access to region-locked content. The tvOS platform itself has built-in capabilities that inform streaming applications of the user's real geolocation, regardless of the geolocation established through a VPN connection. Streaming services may detect and restrict access based on the device's actual location rather than the apparent location provided by the VPN.

Conclusion

By following this step-by-step guide, you should now have a properly configured WireGuard SDK integrated into your tvOS application. Remember to thoroughly test your implementation and refer to the WireGuard documentation for any additional information or troubleshooting guidance.

If you encounter any issues or have further questions, don't hesitate to reach out to our support team for assistance.