Apple TV App, TV+ & MLS Season Pass Now on Android

Apple TV App Expands to Android Devices

On Wednesday, Apple announced the availability of its Apple TV app on Android devices. This includes access to Apple TV+, the company’s streaming service, and MLS Season Pass. Previously, an app for Google TV was offered, but this new release extends support to a wider array of Android-powered devices.

Expanded Accessibility and Billing Options

The newly launched application will function on Android phones, tablets, and foldable devices. Furthermore, Google customers can now subscribe to Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass directly through Google Play billing.

Previously, utilizing the app on Google TV required an existing Apple TV+ account. Now, users can establish an Apple account directly on their device and manage their subscription in a similar manner to Apple’s own platforms.

Reaching a Broader Audience

This expansion of the Apple TV app is expected to significantly increase the reach of Apple’s streaming services, especially in regions where Android devices are dominant.

Content Library Highlights

Apple TV+ boasts a compelling catalog of original programming. Popular titles include “Severance,” “Slow Horses,” “The Morning Show,” “Presumed Innocent,” “Shrinking,” “Hijack,” “Loot,” “Palm Royale,” “Masters of the Air,” and “Ted Lasso.”

In addition to series, the service features Apple Original films such as “Wolfs,” “The Instigators,” “The Family Plan,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and the Academy Award-winning “CODA.”

Key Features for Android Users

The Android version of the Apple TV app provides access to essential features. These include offline downloads for viewing content without an internet connection, personalized saved watchlists, and a “continue watching” function.

The “continue watching” feature synchronizes viewing progress across different devices, even within a household utilizing both Android and Apple TV hardware.

Stay Informed About New Releases

Users of the Android TV app will be informed when new episodes or entire seasons become available. While the app currently lacks native push notifications for these updates, users can easily discover new content while browsing.

Live Sports with MLS Season Pass

Live sports broadcasts, including Friday Night Baseball, are also accessible to Android users through the app.

MLS Season Pass is offered as an optional subscription at $12.99 per month or $79 for the full season, providing access to all 30 MLS clubs starting February 22nd. The app delivers personalized recommendations and a dedicated section for team supporters.

Differences from the Apple Version

A notable distinction between the Android and Apple versions of the app is the absence of the in-app Store on Android. This means users cannot rent or purchase movies and shows directly within the app.

Optimized for Android

The Apple TV app for Android is designed with Android’s Material Design principles. This ensures adaptive layouts that seamlessly adjust to various screen sizes, including those of phones, tablets, and foldable devices.

A Milestone for Apple TV+

This launch occurs five years after Apple initially introduced Apple TV+ globally, marking its entry into the original streaming content market.

Recognition for Quality Content

Apple’s streaming service has earned a reputation for producing high-quality content, particularly within the drama and science fiction genres. It achieved a historic milestone by winning the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2022 with “CODA.”

Recently, Apple Original shows received nominations across all major categories at the 2024 Emmys, ultimately securing 10 wins, including those awarded during the Creative Arts ceremonies.

The Apple TV app for Android is currently being rolled out to Google Play users as of Wednesday.