Bringing Apple TV+ to the Unlikeliest of Places: Your Favorite Shows Now Everywhere

Apple Takes a Giant Leap: Apple TV App Now Available on Android Devices

In a move that broadens its streaming reach, Apple has announced that the Apple TV app is now available for download on Android devices. This means that users of Android phones, tablets, foldables, and even Android TV will be able to access Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass directly through the new Apple TV app on the Google Play Store. This marks a significant expansion for Apple’s streaming services, opening them up to a much larger audience.

A Seamless Experience with Native Design Elements

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 integrates with Google Play’s billing system, allowing users to subscribe to Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass directly within the app. Plus, a seven-day free trial for Apple TV+ is available at launch, giving potential subscribers a chance to sample the service before committing.

Feature-Rich and Accessible

The app comes equipped with several features that make it easy to use and access your content. You can:

• Resume watching across devices where you’re signed in with your Apple account using "Continue Watching"
• Curate a list of shows and movies to watch later with the "Watchlist"
• Stream content over both Wi-Fi and cellular connections
• Download content for offline viewing for those who want to watch on the go without using their data

What’s Not Available (Yet)

While this is an exciting development, there are a few features that aren’t available in this initial release. For example, casting support, which is expected to make its way to the app in the future. Additionally, Android devices need to be running at least version 10 to support the app. Notifications for newly available content will not be available either.

MLS Season Pass and More

For sports fans, the Apple TV app on Android coincides with the upcoming 2025 MLS season. The app will offer MLS Season Pass, allowing subscribers to watch every match without blackouts, along with exclusive content and analysis. Apple TV+ is also home to "Friday Night Baseball" and new for 2025, "Sunday Night Soccer," providing more live sports content.

A Shift in Strategy

Historically, Apple has kept its services within its own ecosystem. This move signifies a significant shift in strategy, aimed at increasing subscriber numbers for Apple TV+ and generating revenue from a broader customer base, even those not invested in the Apple hardware ecosystem. This could signal a trend towards platform-agnostic streaming services, ultimately benefiting consumers by providing greater choice and flexibility. As an Android and iOS user, and Apple TV+ subscriber, I’m thrilled to know that I can now easily access my content on all my devices without the need to switch or use a workaround.