Ignacy Giżyński
After years of limitations, Apple has decided to push the boundaries of competition. The Apple TV app, which provides access to the Apple TV+ streaming service, has finally arrived on Android smartphones and tablets. This is a groundbreaking move for the company, which has so far avoided mobile integration with Google’s platform.
Although Apple TV has already worked on televisions with Android TV or consoles, the mobile version for Android remained out of reach. It was speculated that the reason was the fierce competition between the giants. Today, the company from Cupertino explains the decision as the "needs of users."
What does the app offer?
The Android version does not differ functionally from the one on iOS. Users will find, among other things:
A section for Continue Watching and Watchlist,
Picture-in-picture mode for multitasking,
The ability to download content in 4K quality.
There is no access to movies purchased on iTunes – this is a proprietary feature for the Apple ecosystem. Unfortunately, we also do not have the Google Cast feature for now, which would allow wireless streaming to TVs with Google TV or Android TV.
Who is the subscription for? What can be watched on it?
In addition to hits like Ted Lasso and Silo, Apple TV+ focuses on sports. The offer includes MLB and MLS matches, and in a few months – exclusive NBA broadcasts. New users receive a 7-day free trial (payment card required).
Is this the end of platform wars?
Apple's decision is a signal to the market: content matters, not ecosystem. When your series tops the rankings, it no longer matters whether you watch it on an iPhone or a Samsung/Xiaomi.
The app can be downloaded from Google Play for devices running Android 10 or newer. Is it worth it? It all depends on whether Apple’s series convince you more than... the subscription price (from 9,99/month).
