Getting Started

This guide walks you through launching Arrivals Board for the first time, adding a message source, and making the display your own. The whole process takes just a few minutes.

What you need

  • An iPad running iOS 26 or later
  • An internet connection (for most message sources)
  • An Apple TV running tvOS 26 or later
  • A Siri Remote (2nd generation or later recommended)
  • An internet connection

Quick start

1. Launch the app

Open Arrivals. The board runs through a short boot sequence as rows flip into place -- just like a real split-flap display powering on.

2. Explore the board

The main screen is the board itself: a header row with the app name and a clock, and message rows below. On a fresh install, a few welcome messages flip through to introduce you to the app.

3. Add a source

Open Settings and add your first message source. Mastodon and RSS are the simplest to set up -- just sign in or paste a feed URL.

4. Customize the display

Adjust colors, flip speed, sound effects, and more from Settings. Make it yours.

5. Sit back and watch

Once a source is connected, messages arrive on the board automatically. Each new message flips in with that satisfying mechanical clatter.

Platform setup guides

For step-by-step instructions tailored to your device:

Platform Guide
iPad iPad Setup
Apple TV Apple TV Setup