Apple has been a notoriously closed system since its inception. The global tech giant likes to keep everything in-house. You buy Apple hardware: you use Apple software. But there have always been exceptions, especially as Apple began selling music and other media on iTunes, since split up into several other apps. Apple TV is one such app, focused on film and TV, and it’s similarly available to folks outside the Apple ecosystem, still with some exceptions. So, can you watch Apple TV on Android? Does Apple TV have an Android app? Is there a difference between using Apple TV on Android phones and mobile devices and on Android TVs?
QUICK ANSWER
Using Apple TV on your Android streaming devices is pretty straightforward. You can download the Apple TV app onto most Android TV streaming devices. Simply download the app from Google Play, and you’re good to go. If you’re on mobile, you can still use Apple TV on your Android phone or tablet, but you’ll need to access it on your mobile browser.
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What is Apple TV
Apple TV is, rather confusingly, more than one service.
The original Apple TV is a streaming device. The appliance is a piece of hardware that plugs into your TV, connecting it to your home Wi-Fi network and allowing you to use various apps.
Apple TV is also an independent streaming app, available separately from the streaming device. It allows you to organize your various streaming services in one place, making them centrally searchable and more conveniently integrated.
To use Apple TV, you need to create an Apple ID to log in. This is free and does not require an Apple device.
Can I watch Apple TV or Apple TV Plus on Android?
Yes. Apple TV is no longer just a piece of hardware from Apple. While you can still use an Apple TV streaming device, you can also download the Apple TV app to most Android devices. As long as it’s version 8 or higher, you’re good to go.
The app is also compatible with most other non-Apple devices, including Google, Roku, Fire TV, LG, Samsung, Sony, and more. In some cases, you can use Apple’s own AirPlay to cast Apple TV content to your smart TV or streaming device. You can’t do that on an Android device though.
The Apple TV Plus streaming service, which is separate from Apple TV, is included with the Apple TV app. You’ll need to sign up and pay a monthly or yearly fee to access Apple TV Plus streaming content, but you won’t need to download any additional apps.
How to watch Apple TV on Android
Let’s start with the bad news. If you want to use Apple TV on your Android mobile device, the experience isn’t ideal. There’s no dedicated app. Instead, you’ll have to go to the Apple TV website on your mobile browser. From there, you can log into your Apple account and use the service. It’s not perfect, but it will let you access your Apple TV services.
Much more streamlined is the experience of using Apple TV on an Android TV. If you have an Android smart TV, all you have to do is download the Apple TV app from the Google Play store. Then, log in with your Apple ID, and you’re all set.
Read more: Roku vs Apple TV
FAQs
No. while many Amazon, LG, Roku, and other non-Apple devices are compatible with Airplay, Android is not.
No. While Apple TV Plus comes as part of the Apple TV app, Apple TV is a free service while Apple TV Plus is a paid add-on.
Yes, but unlike on an A android TV, there is no Apple TV mobile app for Android. You’ll have to log into Apple TV via a mobile web browser like Chrome.
Yes, the Apple TV app and website are accessible without the Apple TV device.
