You cannot watch Apple TV directly on a Peloton machine
Peloton bikes and treadmills do not have built-in support for Apple TV. The touchscreen on your Peloton is designed for Peloton's own workout classes, metrics, and music — not for streaming apps from outside services. Apple TV is not available in the Peloton app store, and you cannot sideload it onto the machine's operating system.
If you want to watch Apple TV while using your Peloton, you will need to use a separate device positioned near your machine. This means running Apple TV on a phone, tablet, laptop, or connected TV in the same room, not on the Peloton screen itself.
Key Takeaways
- Peloton machines do not run Apple TV or connect to Apple's streaming service through their built-in screens.
- You can watch Apple TV on a phone, tablet, or nearby TV while exercising on your Peloton, but the two services do not integrate.
- Peloton's touchscreen is locked to Peloton content and cannot install third-party streaming apps.
- If you want entertainment during workouts, Peloton's own music and class library are your only options on the machine itself.
What you can actually do on a Peloton screen
The Peloton touchscreen runs a closed operating system that only displays Peloton's own content. You can take live and on-demand classes, view your workout metrics in real time, listen to curated music playlists, and connect with other Peloton users. The screen does not have a web browser, does not run Android or iOS apps, and does not support casting or mirroring from your phone.
Peloton has intentionally designed the machine this way to keep your focus on the workout and the class instructor. The interface is stripped down to eliminate distractions — which is why you cannot install Netflix, Disney+, or any other streaming service on it either.
How to watch Apple TV while exercising on Peloton
The practical workaround is to set up a separate screen in your workout space. Place your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV device (the hardware box, not the service) on a stand or mount where you can see it while riding or running. Start your Apple TV subscription on that device, then begin your Peloton class on the machine's screen. You will be managing two separate screens — one for your workout data and one for entertainment.
If you have an Apple TV box connected to a television in the same room, that is often the easiest setup. You can watch a show or movie on the TV while the Peloton screen displays your class and metrics. A tablet mounted on an adjustable arm is another common choice for people with limited space.
Some users also use a phone holder attached to the Peloton frame itself, though the small screen size makes this less practical for watching shows. This setup works better if you just want to check messages or glance at notifications between intervals.
Why Peloton does not integrate with streaming services
Peloton's business model depends on keeping users engaged with its own content library. The company makes money from subscription fees for classes and music, not from partnerships with other streaming platforms. Adding Apple TV or Netflix to the Peloton screen would compete with Peloton's own offerings and reduce the reason people pay for a Peloton membership.
Additionally, Peloton's screen is optimized for real-time workout data — heart rate, cadence, resistance, power output — which requires a dedicated interface. Streaming apps would clutter that display and slow down the machine's performance during live classes when network bandwidth matters.
Alternatives if you want entertainment during workouts
Peloton's music library includes thousands of songs organized by artist, decade, and mood. Many users find that a good playlist is enough entertainment during a ride or run. You can also take themed classes — hip-hop rides, 80s runs, pop bootcamps — where the music is part of the class structure and the instructor curates the experience.
If you prefer podcasts or audiobooks, you can play those on a separate device and keep the Peloton screen focused on your metrics. Some people use wireless earbuds to listen to a podcast while watching their Peloton class on the machine's screen, which gives you the best of both — workout data and audio entertainment.
Live classes are another draw for many Peloton users. The real-time interaction with an instructor and other riders can feel like entertainment in itself, especially if you are competing on the leaderboard or taking a class with friends.
What to do if you want a machine that supports streaming apps
If having a single screen that handles both workouts and entertainment is important to you, a standard tablet or laptop connected to a stationary bike or treadmill from another brand may be a better fit. Brands like NordicTrack and Echelon allow you to run apps like Apple TV, Netflix, and YouTube on their screens because they use Android-based operating systems.
However, these machines typically do not have the same class library or instructor community that Peloton offers. You would be trading Peloton's content depth for the flexibility to stream other services. The choice depends on whether you prioritize the workout experience or the entertainment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast Apple TV from my phone to my Peloton screen?
No. Peloton screens do not support AirPlay, Chromecast, or any casting protocol. The machine's software is closed and does not allow incoming connections from other devices.
Will Peloton ever add Apple TV or other streaming apps?
There is no public announcement from Peloton about adding third-party streaming services. The company has kept its screen locked to Peloton content for over a decade, and that design is central to how the machine works.
Can I use a Peloton with an Apple TV box in the same room?
Yes. You can have your Apple TV box connected to a television and your Peloton machine running separately in the same space. You would watch the TV while using the Peloton, but they do not communicate with each other.
What if I mount a tablet next to my Peloton to watch Apple TV?
That works. Many people use an iPad or Android tablet on an adjustable arm to watch shows while riding. Your Peloton screen will still show your class and metrics independently.
Does Peloton have its own music or entertainment I can use instead?
Yes. Peloton includes thousands of songs, curated playlists, and themed classes where music is part of the workout design. Many users find the music selection and live instructor interaction sufficient without needing outside streaming services.