Apple is set to expand the reach of its Apple TV+ app by making it available on Android devices starting February 12. This marks a significant step as it is the first time the Apple TV+ app will function outside of Apple’s ecosystem, which currently includes Roku devices, game consoles, and a variety of smart TVs.
The app will be compatible with Android phones and tablets running Android 10 or newer, allowing users to subscribe to both Apple TV+ and the MLS Season Pass. This initiative appears to be part of Apple’s ongoing strategy to make its content accessible to a broader audience.
Launched in 2019, Apple TV+ features popular series such as “Ted Lasso,” “Slow Horses,” and “Severance.” Its growth has been notable, with Apple reporting that its services segment generated $23.12 billion in revenue in the last quarter of 2022, representing a 14% increase year-over-year. The company boasts over 1 billion subscriptions across its services, which encompass not just Apple TV+, but also iCloud and various third-party app subscriptions.
The decision to include Apple TV+ in Amazon Prime Video’s add-on subscription options in the U.S. last October reflects Apple’s intention to broaden its audience reach. Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, emphasized the desire to make the platform’s award-winning content more widely available.
However, the streaming industry faces challenges as consumer satisfaction appears to be waning amid rising subscription costs and concerns about content quality. Experts suggest that these trends are influenced by wider market dynamics, including inflation and increased production expenses.
As Apple ventures into new terrain with Android compatibility, it reflects a hopeful ambition to engage new viewers, even as the streaming landscape evolves. This move may very well invigorate interest in Apple TV+ and provide fresh content consumption experiences amid the pressures of “streaming fatigue.”
In summary, Apple’s decision to launch the Apple TV+ app for Android devices is poised to enhance the platform’s accessibility while addressing varying consumer needs in today’s shifting streaming market.