The wait is over—Apple’s TV app is finally on Android devices. If you’re an Android user who’s been eyeing Apple TV shows or movies but didn’t want to switch ecosystems, this is great news. Apple’s move makes it easier than ever to stream your favorite content, and honestly, it’s about time. So, what does this mean for Android users? And more importantly, how well does it actually work? Let’s dive in.
Why the Apple TV App Coming to Android Devices Is a Big Deal
For years, Apple kept its TV app exclusive to its own devices—iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs—forcing non-Apple users to either miss out on its content or find workarounds. Sure, you could access Apple TV+ through a web browser, but who wants to deal with that on a phone? Now, with the Apple TV app on Android, that hassle disappears.
This isn’t just about convenience. It’s about Apple expanding its reach in a big way. More people can now subscribe to Apple TV+, rent movies, or buy digital content straight from their Android devices. It also puts Apple in a better position to compete with streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+—and let’s be real, the more competition, the better it is for all of us.
What Can You Do with the Apple TV App on Android?
If you’re wondering whether the experience is the same as on an iPhone, the short answer is: mostly, yes. The Apple TV app on Android comes packed with everything Apple users have had for years:
- Access to Apple TV+ with exclusive shows like “Ted Lasso” and “Severance.”
- The ability to rent or buy movies, including classics and the latest releases.
- A personalized “Up Next” section to keep track of what you’re watching.
- Support for content purchased through iTunes (yes, iTunes still exists… kind of).
For Android users who’ve been curious about Apple’s shows, this is a big win. You can now watch Apple Originals without awkward workarounds or streaming from your laptop.
How Does the Apple TV App Perform on Android?
This is the part everyone really cares about: Does it work well? No one wants a laggy, half-baked app that feels like an afterthought. Thankfully, the early impressions seem positive. The interface looks familiar if you’ve used an Apple device before—sleek and minimal. Navigation is smooth, content loads quickly, and the search function actually works well (which isn’t always the case with streaming apps).
One surprising thing? No in-app purchases. That means if you want to subscribe to Apple TV+ or rent a movie, you’ll have to do it through a web browser first. It’s not a huge deal, but it is a slight nuisance. Apple avoids Google Play’s commission fees this way, but it does make for a clunkier user experience.
Streaming Quality and Features
As for playback, the app supports up to 4K HDR streaming where available, which is nice. Whether you’re watching on a phone screen or casting to a TV, the quality holds up—with minimal buffering, assuming your internet is solid.
There’s also support for offline downloads, which is perfect if you’re traveling or have a spotty connection. Just grab your shows or movies beforehand, and you’re good to go.
Is This the Start of Apple Embracing Android?
Apple bringing its TV app to Android might not seem like a huge shift, but in a way, it signals something bigger. Apple is traditionally known for keeping things locked into its own ecosystem. Yet, we’ve seen little cracks in that approach lately—Apple Music launched on Android a while ago, and now Apple TV is following suit.
Could this lead to even more Apple services coming to Android? Maybe. iMessage seems like an impossibility, but who knows? If Apple wants more subscribers, putting its content and services on every platform makes sense.
The Verdict: Should You Download the Apple TV App on Android?
If you enjoy high-quality streaming content—or you’ve been itching to watch an Apple exclusive—then yes, you should absolutely download the Apple TV app for Android. It’s easy to use, the streaming quality is excellent, and it gives Android users another premium content option.
That being said, the lack of in-app purchases is a bit of a hassle, and Apple isn’t exactly bending over backward to make things seamless for Android users. But if that doesn’t bother you too much, it’s a solid addition to your streaming lineup.
So, are you excited to finally have Apple’s TV app on Android, or do you think it’s too little, too late? Either way, it’s nice to have another way to watch great content—no Apple device required.