For years, Apple TV+ has remained largely confined to Apple’s ecosystem, only accessible on iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TVs, and a few select third-party platforms like Roku and Amazon Fire TV. But that’s about to change.
Reports indicate that Apple is preparing to launch an official Apple TV+ app for Android, a major shift in strategy that could be announced as early as this week. This marks the first time Android phone users will have native access to Apple’s streaming platform, signaling a new push by the company to expand its subscriber base beyond its own hardware.
Why Apple is Bringing TV+ to Android
Apple TV+ has built a strong reputation for quality content, with critically acclaimed shows like Severance, The Morning Show, and Ted Lasso, but it lags behind Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video in total viewership. Unlike its competitors, Apple has never publicly disclosed subscriber numbers, but industry analysts estimate that it trails far behind in market share.
Expanding to Android could be a strategic move to tap into a massive audience that has previously been excluded. Android dominates the global smartphone market, with over 70% market share worldwide, meaning Apple TV+ has been missing out on a huge potential subscriber base.
Apple has taken similar steps in the past. It brought Apple Music to Android in 2015 and recently launched Apple Music Classical on the platform. Now, with Apple TV+ making its way to Android, the company is clearly prioritizing growth over exclusivity, something it rarely does.
What to Expect from the Apple TV+ Android App
The upcoming Apple TV+ app for Android is expected to bring the full streaming experience, including:
- Cross-device viewing, allowing users to resume content across different platforms.
- Personalized watchlists and recommendations tailored to viewing habits.
- Offline downloads, enabling users to watch content without an internet connection.
- MLS Season Pass integration, which means Android users will also have access to Apple’s Major League Soccer streaming service.
The service remains priced at $9.99 per month, and new subscribers will get a free trial, a move that could attract Android users who have never considered TV+ before.
A Shift in Apple’s Business Strategy?
Apple has long maintained a closed ecosystem, using its exclusive hardware-software integration as a key selling point. However, competition in the streaming industry is at an all-time high, and Apple can no longer afford to limit TV+ to its own devices if it wants to stay competitive.
Netflix, Disney+, and other major platforms are already available across every device imaginable, from smartphones and tablets to gaming consoles and smart TVs. By contrast, Apple’s restrictive approach has limited its potential reach.
Now, with Apple TV+ expanding to Android, the company appears to be loosening its walled garden approach, signaling that it may be more open to making its services available beyond its own hardware.
What’s Next? More Apple Services on Android?
Apple’s decision to bring TV+ to Android could pave the way for more Apple services on the platform. While Apple Music and Apple TV+ are now available, could we see apps like Apple News+, Fitness+, or even iMessage come to Android in the future?
It’s unlikely that Apple will fully embrace cross-platform accessibility anytime soon, but this move suggests the company is willing to step outside its comfort zone—at least when it comes to services that need a broader audience to thrive.
With Apple TV+ finally arriving on the world’s most popular mobile OS, Apple is showing that it recognizes the need to compete on a level playing field. The move could significantly boost its streaming footprint, attract new users, and—perhaps—reshape its long-term strategy for services beyond hardware.
