Apple made an announcement on Wednesday, February 12, that they are finally launching the Apple TV+ app for Android devices, marking a significant expansion of its streaming service beyond the Apple ecosystem.
Apple TV+ is a home to some of the best TV shows and movies, including hits like Severance, and this move allows Android users to access Apple TV+ content directly through an app on their smartphones and tablets, rather than relying on web browsers or other workarounds.
The service, which launched in 2019, had previously been reserved for the company’s own operating system but then progressively expanded access to Android TV devices like the Chromecast with Google TV and smart TVs that run Android, over the years.
This launch is part of Apple's broader strategy to increase its market share in the streaming industry by tapping into Android's vast smartphone user base of approximately 3.9 billion users globally, which would immediately double the Apple TV+ reach when combined with the 2.2 billion devices that Apple has in the world.
On Wednesday, the TV+ app became available via the Google Play Store as a free download. The subscription cost remains consistent with other platforms at $9.99 (R185) per month.
And for those who have an Apple TV device at home and an Android phone in their pocket, Apple TV+ will automatically sync up, allowing viewers to resume watching shows where they left off.
New users can take advantage of a 7-day free trial to test the service before committing to a subscription.
Outside of Android, Apple TV+ is also available on PlayStation consoles, Xbox One and Series S, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV sticks.
IOL Entertainment