Just before the year 2008 ended, Softbank introduces a TV-tuner accessory to the iPhone in Japan -- the 1-Seg TV. I'm not sure though if this device will work outside the Japanese airwaves. The 1-Seg TV grabs the channels over the air and transmits the signal to your iPhone via wifi which could be a bummer if you want to watch TV in your car while driving on a heavy traffic (they should also enable USB cable transmission too). Priced at around $108 (9,850 yen), the device is 100% in Japanese (hardware and software) so I guess bringing the tuner out of the country will only be useful to those who can read Japanese. You can grab the Softbank Software over at the iPhone App Store (if you are lucky to find it with a search). On iPhone, swipe down from the Dynamic Island or use Hey Siri or the side button. Start on iPhone, continue on iPad, wrap up on Mac. Read more in our articles including "Softbank makes iPhone TV Tuner in Japan" and "iOS 27 Beta Is Out, But You'll Need to Join a Waitlist to Try the New Siri AI".
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Jun 9, 2026Just before the year 2008 ended, Softbank introduces a TV-tuner accessory to the iPhone in Japan -- the 1-Seg TV. I'm not sure though if this device will work outside the Japanese airwaves.
The 1-Seg TV grabs the channels over the air and transmits the signal to your iPhone via wifi which could be a bummer if you want to watch TV in your car while driving on a heavy traffic (they should also enable USB cable transmission too). Priced at around $108 (9,850 yen), the device is 100% in Japanese (hardware and software) so I guess bringing the tuner out of the country will only be useful to those who can read Japanese. You can grab the Softbank Software over at the iPhone App Store (if you are lucky to find it with a search).
Our coverage of japanese iphone includes: "Softbank makes iPhone TV Tuner in Japan"; "iOS 27 Beta Is Out, But You'll Need to Join a Waitlist to Try the New Siri AI"; "Image Playground, Photo Spacial Reframe and New Editing Tools in iOS 27". Each article provides unique insights and information.