For the past five years, users of Android devices have navigated the somewhat cumbersome experience of accessing Apple TV+ through the web and, more recently, Progressive Web Apps (PWA). However, a significant shift has occurred with the introduction of a dedicated Apple TV app for Android smartphones and tablets, now available in the Google Play Store.
Enhanced User Experience
Back in 2021, Apple made strides by launching an app for Android and Google TV, catering to larger screens. Meanwhile, the Apple Music app on Android has garnered praise for its robust performance and regular updates featuring the latest streaming capabilities.
The newly released Apple TV app boasts a user-friendly interface, complete with a bottom navigation bar that includes sections for Apple TV+, Major League Soccer (MLS), Downloads for offline viewing, and a Search function. The design incorporates Material 3’s pill-shaped indicators, ensuring a sleek and modern look, although the bar itself is not overly tall. For tablet users, a hamburger menu and navigation drawer enhance accessibility.
In the top-right corner, users will find their Apple Account avatar, which leads to Settings. The app employs Material 3 elements throughout, featuring on/off toggles and rounded sheets, yet it retains the quintessential feel of an Apple product.
- Streaming Options
- Use Cellular Data
- Cellular: High Quality, Automatic
- Wi-Fi: High Quality, Data Saver
- Download Options
- Use Cellular Data
- Cellular: High Quality, Fast Downloads
- Wi-Fi: High Quality, Fast Downloads
Similar to other streaming platforms, the app features content carousels, including a “Continue Watching” section that syncs with other devices. The video player mirrors the functionality of Apple TV on different platforms, offering a portrait mode and convenient shortcuts for picture-in-picture mode, which operates seamlessly within the app and system-wide. Users can also easily adjust the system volume with a mute function, ensuring smooth playback that outperforms many competitors.
However, the initial rollout of the Apple TV app does come with some limitations. Notably, it lacks Casting support and does not provide notifications for new episodes. Additionally, users already signed into Apple Music will need to log in again to access Apple TV. A noteworthy feature is the support for Google Play Billing, allowing users to subscribe without needing to sign up on a different device, a convenience that extends to both the Google TV app and Apple Music.
