[i.h]

There's no reason Apple TV/non YouView boxes wouldn't not support multicast, as long as the software is written in a way to support it.

Not only is multicast a bit "special" from a network perspective (particularly wifi - note that BT's own TV Box Pro initially launched without wifi support) and there is no guarantee Apple has exposed that functionality to third party apps, they'd have to implement the conditional access system that BT TV uses (try accessing the TV streams from VLC on a computer - except for the preview channel, at best you get some very corrupt video as it is encrypted in some way).

Like I said, it's a guess, though the reimplementation of the CA system is a definite barrier and not one BT controls.

I think it is staying with BT. Slightly differently, I am in an area where the Openreach network only provides ADSL services - and if I try to put my details in to order EE broadband, it redirects me to BT since EE only offer “fibre” (FTTC or FTTP) packages. Reading into this (possibly incorrectly) I think other non-standard packages are the same.

Again, a guess, but I would assume this new EE system isn't set up to provide PSTN (traditional phone) services, they've only implemented Digital Voice and maybe they aren't ready with whatever solution they have for ADSL customers - those who don't get upgraded to FTTP in the next two years, at least. Openreach have implemented their "stop sell" on PSTN but areas that can't get VDSL/FTTP are still an exception to the rule.

I assume you'd get an EE branded device once (old) BT stocks are exhausted though. There are some pictures of Smart Hub boxes on ISP review where there's a label explaining that it might say BT or EE and not to worry about it