After more than eight years since the Apple TV app first launched, Apple has finally released a native version of the app for Android devices. This long-awaited move marks a significant step in Apple’s strategy to expand its reach beyond its own ecosystem and into the vast Android user base. On Wednesday, February 22, the Apple TV app became available for download on the Google Play Store, compatible with all Android devices running Android 10 or later, including smartphones and tablets. This development allows Android users to seamlessly access Apple’s streaming services, including Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass, directly through their devices.
The release of the Apple TV app for Android represents a major milestone for Apple, as it signals the company’s willingness to embrace cross-platform compatibility to grow its subscriber base. Android users can now subscribe to Apple TV+ for $9.99 per month and MLS Season Pass for $14.99 per month (or $99 for the full season) using their Google Play account. These pricing tiers are consistent with what Apple offers on iOS, ensuring a unified experience across platforms. While the app has been optimized for Android, with engineers building it from the ground up to deliver a familiar and intuitive interface, there are some limitations. Notably, the initial version of the app does not support casting content from a mobile device to connected TVs, a feature that many users might have expected.
The Apple TV app on Android offers many of the same features that iOS and other platform users have enjoyed. Key functionalities include the ability to pick up where you left off with the “Continue Watching” feature, which syncs your progress across all your devices, and the “Watchlist” feature, which allows you to keep track of shows and movies you’re interested in watching in the future. The app also supports streaming over Wi-Fi or cellular connections, and users can download content for offline viewing. These features make the app a robust option for Android users who enjoy streaming on the go.
The release of the Apple TV app for Android is part of Apple’s broader strategy to make its services more accessible across a wide range of platforms. In addition to Apple’s own devices, such as iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TV, the app is also available on smart TVs from major manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and TCL. It can also be accessed on Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, as well as gaming consoles like the Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox. Additionally, users can watch Apple TV+ content on the web at tv.apple.com. By expanding its reach to Android, Apple is ensuring that its services are available to a global audience, with the app now accessible in more than 100 markets worldwide.
For Apple TV+ subscribers, the new Android app provides a more streamlined and integrated way to access content compared to previous workarounds. Until now, Android users who wanted to watch Apple TV+ content had to rely on alternative methods, such as signing up through Amazon’s Prime Video add-on, which allowed streaming via the Prime Video app. However, this method was less than ideal, as it required users to navigate through a different interface and manage multiple subscriptions. The native Android app eliminates these hassles, offering a direct and user-friendly way to access Apple’s growing library of original content.
Apple TV+ has quickly established itself as a major player in the streaming wars, with a slate of critically acclaimed original series and films. Popular shows like “Ted Lasso,” “Severance,” “The Morning Show,” and “Shrinking” have garnered widespread acclaim, while original movies like “CODA,” which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, have showcased Apple’s commitment to high-quality storytelling. Additionally, Apple TV+ is home to exclusive sports content, including “Friday Night Baseball,” a weekly MLB double-header, and MLS Season Pass, which offers comprehensive coverage of Major League Soccer matches. With the launch of the Apple TV app on Android, Apple is poised to further solidify its position in the competitive streaming landscape, offering a seamless and engaging experience for users across both iOS and Android platforms.
In summary, the arrival of the Apple TV app on Android is a significant development that opens up new opportunities for Apple to expand its user base. By offering a native app that integrates seamlessly with the Android ecosystem, Apple is ensuring that its services are more accessible than ever before. While the initial version may lack some features, such as casting support, the app’s robust feature set and extensive content library make it a compelling choice for Android users. As Apple continues to roll out updates and improvements, the Apple TV app for Android is likely to become an indispensable tool for streaming enthusiasts.
