Apple TV Plus has officially made its way to Android devices, marking a significant expansion of Apple’s streaming service beyond its own ecosystem. This long-awaited rollout means Android users can now enjoy hit shows like Severance, Ted Lasso, and The Morning Show directly from their smartphones and tablets.
Apple TV Plus on Android: What’s New?
For years, Apple TV Plus has been available on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming platforms, and even Android TV. However, until now, there was no dedicated app for Android smartphones and tablets. That changes today as Apple begins rolling out the Apple TV Plus app via the Google Play Store.
Key Features of Apple TV Plus on Android
The Android version of Apple TV Plus comes packed with essential features that make streaming seamless:
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Offline Downloads: Just like on Apple devices, you can download episodes and movies for offline viewing, making it convenient for travel or commutes.
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Saved Watchlists: Users can create and manage their watchlists, ensuring they never miss their favorite shows.
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Google Play Billing: Subscriptions, including Apple TV Plus and MLS Season Pass, can be managed directly through Google Play, streamlining the payment process.
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Foldable Optimization: The app is optimized for foldable devices, enhancing the viewing experience for users with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, Pixel Fold, and other foldable Android phones.
One notable absence in the Android app is the ability to rent or purchase movies and TV shows. This restriction aligns with Apple’s strategy on other non-Apple platforms, like Roku and Fire TV, where in-app purchases are also disabled. Instead, users will need to rent or buy content via a web browser before accessing it in the app.
Why Now? Apple’s Expanding Services Strategy
Apple’s decision to bring Apple TV Plus to Android comes as part of a broader push to expand its services revenue. The company has been steadily increasing the availability of its apps outside the Apple ecosystem, with Android already hosting Apple Music, Apple Music Classical, and the Beats app. The arrival of Apple TV Plus follows the same trajectory, ensuring Apple’s subscription services reach as many users as possible.
Another driving force behind this move is the increasing competition in the streaming industry. With Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video dominating the space, Apple needs to make its content more accessible to grow its subscriber base.
How to Download and Subscribe
If you’re an Android user eager to try out Apple TV Plus, here’s how to get started:
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Download the App: Head over to the Google Play Store and search for “Apple TV Plus.” If the app isn’t visible yet, be patient—it’s rolling out gradually.
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Sign Up or Log In: New users can sign up for Apple TV Plus directly within the app, while existing subscribers can log in using their Apple ID.
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Subscribe via Google Play: Payment can be managed through Google Play Billing, making it easy for Android users to subscribe without needing an Apple device.
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Start Streaming: Once subscribed, users can access the full catalog, including exclusive Apple Originals and MLS Season Pass.
Apple TV Plus Pricing and Content Lineup
An Apple TV Plus subscription is currently priced at $9.99 per month. The service boasts a growing library of high-quality content, including:
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Critically Acclaimed Series: Severance, For All Mankind, Ted Lasso, The Morning Show.
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Blockbuster Films: Killers of the Flower Moon, CODA (which won Best Picture at the Oscars), and Napoleon.
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Exclusive Sports Content: MLS Season Pass, bringing live soccer coverage to subscribers.
For new users, Apple typically offers a 7-day free trial, giving potential subscribers a chance to explore the platform before committing.
How Does Apple TV Plus on Android Compare?
With Apple TV Plus now available on Android, how does it stack up against other streaming apps? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Apple TV Plus (Android) | Netflix | Disney+ | Amazon Prime Video |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offline Downloads | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Watchlists | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Subscription via Google Play | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| In-App Purchases | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Foldable Optimization | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Apple TV Plus stands out for its premium content, but the lack of in-app purchases and a limited content library compared to Netflix and Disney+ might be drawbacks for some users.
The Future of Apple Apps on Android
With Apple bringing more of its services to Android, could this signal the arrival of other apps like iMessage or FaceTime? While those apps remain tightly integrated with Apple’s ecosystem, the success of Apple Music and now Apple TV Plus on Android could pave the way for more cross-platform expansion.
As Apple continues to focus on services as a key revenue driver, expanding beyond hardware is a logical step. The rollout of Apple TV Plus on Android is just another milestone in that journey.
The arrival of Apple TV Plus on Android is great news for those who want access to Apple’s exclusive content without owning an iPhone or iPad. While there are still some limitations such as the inability to purchase content in-app the core streaming experience remains strong.
If you’ve been waiting to catch up on Severance or Ted Lasso, now’s the time to dive in. Simply download the app, sign up, and start watching!
