Apple just took a huge step today towards broadening its streaming reach by making the Apple TV app available globally for download on Android devices. This means users of Android phones, tablets, foldables, and even Android TV will now be able to access Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass directly through the new Apple TV app on the Google Play Store. This move marks a significant expansion for Apple's streaming services, opening them up to a much larger audience.
Rebuilt from the ground up to provide a more native experience, the Apple TV app on Android is designed with a user-friendly interface familiar to Android users. Taking full advantage of Android design elements (Material Design) and native Google services, the app also integrates with Google Play's billing system, which means you will be able to subscribe to Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass themselves directly within the app. Also, available at launch, Apple is also offering Android users a seven-day free trial for Apple TV+, allowing potential subscribers to sample the service before committing.
The app comes equipped with features like "Continue Watching," which allows users to seamlessly resume viewing across different devices where you are signed in with your Apple account, and the "Watchlist" feature enables users to curate a list of shows and movies they plan to watch later. Streaming is supported over both Wi-Fi and cellular connections, and the app includes a download option for offline viewing. This is a handy feature for users who want to watch content on the go without using their data.
Both your innie and outie will now be able to enjoy Severance on iOS and Android. No comment on which is which. | Image credit — Apple
One notable feature that will be absent from this first version of the app is casting support, which I'm hoping makes its way to the app in the future. Also, Android devices will need to be running at least version 10 of Android in order to support this new app. Notifications for newly available content will also not be available.
Additionally, it should be noted that this new app is not to be confused with the existing "living room" version that is already available on Google TV. Currently, the app within Google TV only offers playback, but as of this afternoon it will incorporate the Google Play billing element, allowing you to subscribe directly to Apple TV+ as well.
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For sports fans, the arrival of the Apple TV app on Android coincides with the upcoming Major League Soccer (MLS) 2025 season. Through MLS Season Pass, subscribers can watch every MLS match without blackouts, along with exclusive content and analysis. The MLS season kicks off the weekend of February 22, and this app will be ready for the new season. Apple TV+ is also home to "Friday Night Baseball" and, new for 2025, "Sunday Night Soccer," providing even more live sports content.
Apple is broadening its reach
Historically, Apple has kept its services within its own ecosystem, thus why the availability of the Apple TV app on Android signifies such a shift in strategy. Likely aimed at increasing subscriber numbers for its Apple TV+ service, this also isn't the first time Apple has ventured outside its walls. Apple Music, for example, has been available on Android for quite some time. This strategy allows Apple to generate revenue from a broader customer base, even those who aren't invested in the Apple hardware ecosystem.
This move by Apple could signal a broader trend of streaming services becoming more platform-agnostic, ultimately benefiting consumers by providing greater choice and flexibility. Personally, as an Android and iOS user, as well as an Apple TV+ subscriber, I am happy to know that I can now easily access my content on all of my devices without the need to switch or use a workaround.
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Johanna 'Jojo the Techie' is a skilled mobile technology expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience, specializing in the Google ecosystem and Pixel devices. Known for her user-friendly approach, she leverages her vast tech support background to provide accessible and insightful coverage on latest technology trends. As a recognized thought leader and official member of #TeamPixel, Johanna ensures she stays at the forefront of Google services and products, making her a reliable source for all things Pixel and ChromeOS.
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