Apple TV+ Launches for Android Phones

Apple is launching its TV app for Android phones and tablets for the first time, allowing those on Google’s mobile OS to subscribe to and watch Apple TV+ via a dedicated app.

Apple TV+ launched in 2019 across Apple devices, on the web, and for supported smart TVs. But those with Android smartphones had to watch via a web browser.

Now, as Apple looks to boost subscribers to its streaming service, Android users can download Apple TV from the Play Store. It fully integrates with Google Play accounts, so Android owners can sign up for Apple TV+ or an MLS Season Pass using Google’s native billing process.

The new Android app is compatible with all devices that support Android 10 or newer. The company has also implemented Google’s Material Design principles, which means the app supports folding phones and tablets.

Subscribers can stream content over cellular or Wi-Fi, and the app supports downloads for offline viewing. Also supported is the Continue Watching feature so people can pick up where they left off on another device. There is no store inside the app like there is on iOS, so Android users won’t be able to rent or buy movies, at least at launch.

Apple TV is home to Major League Soccer, which starts its 2025 season on Feb. 22. The app has a dedicated MLS page to keep track of matches. Favorite a soccer team in the app to see its games highlighted on the front page. For now, however, you won’t see notifications for those teams.

Another omission at launch is the ability to cast from the Android app to another device, though that’s coming soon.

Apple TV+ comes with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers, who can stream the growing Apple TV+ catalog of original shows. (I have a few suggestions here.) In addition to MLS and the new Sunday Night Soccer matches, Friday Night Baseball featuring double-headers each week will also be supported in the app when it begins later this year.

Other Apple apps available on Android include Apple Music and Apple Music Classical.

About Tyler Hayes

Contributor

I’ve contributed to PCMag since 2019, covering all kinds of consumer electronics. As a self-identifying early adopter of technology, I’ve stumbled through the changing devices over the years and usually end up writing about how they work, why they’re great, or how they could be better.

Read Tyler’s full bio

Read the latest from Tyler Hayes