Android users have been asking for it for years, and Apple has finally delivered – well, sort of.
The tech giant has finally released its Apple TV app on Android phones and tablets this week, which means you can finally watch shows like Ted Lasso and Severance without having to fumble with your mobile browser.
But if you were hoping to access your purchased iTunes films and shows on your Android phone, you might want to hold off on celebrating – because this new app comes with some frustrating limitations that are already getting users riled up.
What’s Apple TV+?
Unlike Netflix or Disney+, Apple TV+ takes a unique approach to streaming. Launched in November 2019, it focuses solely on original content rather than building a vast library of older shows and films.
At £8.99/month in the UK, subscribers get access to critically acclaimed series like Ted Lasso, Foundation, Severance, and Masters of the Air, along with films like Killers of the Flower Moon.
The service has quickly built a reputation for high-quality content, garnering over 500 award wins including multiple Emmys for Ted Lasso and an Oscar for Best Picture with CODA.
Sports fans aren’t left out either – the service includes Major League Soccer through MLS Season Pass, Friday Night Baseball, and the newly announced Sunday Night Soccer.
What Does The New Android App Offer?
Until now, Android phone users who wanted to watch Apple TV+ content had to make do with watching via their web browser – a clunky experience that didn’t support downloads and often suffered from playback issues.
The new dedicated Android app finally brings a proper native experience, with an interface that will feel familiar to anyone who’s used Apple TV+ on other devices.
You can now properly keep track of what you’re watching with a Continue Watching section that syncs across all your devices – so you can start an episode of Slow Horses on your iPhone and continue watching right where you left off on your Android phone.
The app also includes a proper Watchlist feature, letting you save shows and films you want to watch later.
And, most importantly, you can now download content for offline viewing, which is brilliant for those long commutes or flights where you might not have a stable internet connection.
Streaming quality is solid too, with the app adapting to both WiFi and mobile data connections.
And while the interface isn’t exactly groundbreaking, it’s clean and easy to navigate – though it might take some getting used to if you’re coming from Netflix or Disney+.
The Limitations
The biggest frustration with the new app – and users haven’t been shy about expressing it – is the complete absence of access to previously purchased iTunes content (such as films or TV shows that you have either bought or rented).
The app’s Google Play Store reviews section and social media platforms have been flooded with complaints from users disappointed about this specific limitation.
The app won’t let you buy or rent new films and shows either – though this isn’t surprising, as it’s likely Apple’s way of avoiding Google’s Play Store commission fees (you’ll find the same limitation on Amazon’s Prime Video Android app).
But what’s particularly baffling is that Apple already offers library access on their Android TV app for smart TVs and streaming devices, making its absence on phones and tablets feel like an arbitrary restriction.
Furthermore, the new Apple TV+ app doesn’t support Chromecast – so you can’t easily cast content from the phone to your Chromecast (though newer Google TV devices have a native Apple TV+ app).
A Gradual Opening Up
This launch follows Apple’s recent strategy of expanding its streaming service’s availability.
As we previously reported, in December 2024 Apple TV+ joined Amazon’s Prime Video Channels in the UK, allowing Prime subscribers to access Apple TV+ content through Amazon’s platform.
However, it’s important to note that this integration also only includes Apple TV+ streaming content – not the iTunes store or previously purchased content.
Also, the Prime Video version of Apple TV+ is completely separate from the direct version – so a Prime Video Apple TV+ subscribers can’t watch on the Apple TV app, and vice versa.
The situation highlights Apple’s cautious approach to opening up its services. While they’re clearly willing to make their streaming service more widely available, they’re still keeping tight control over their purchased content ecosystem.
Worth the Download?
If you’re only interested in Apple’s original content and sports offerings, the new Android app does its job well enough.
The app is free to download on the Google Play store, and new subscribers can get a 7-day trial of Apple TV+.
You CAN pay for your subscription through your Google Play account, which adds a bit of convenience.
Just keep in mind that Apple regularly offers longer free trials of Apple TV+, so it’s worth looking around before you sign up for just a 7-day trial.
If you’re an existing Apple customer with a library of purchased content, you might find this Android offering rather disappointing. You’ll need to stick to other devices to access your complete Apple TV library.
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