Apple TV+ has just made its debut on Android, five years after the service’s initial launch. From what I can tell, Apple has successfully created a robust Android app. However, there’s one specific feature that makes me envious of Android users and makes me wish the app were available on my iPhone as well.
Apple TV app for Android adopts a ‘less is more’ approach
Having used an iPhone for such a long time, I’ve become accustomed to iOS and Apple’s design choices.
Every time I experiment with Android, it just feels off or malfunctioning. No disrespect to Android users; I understand it largely comes down to personal preference.
Yet, with Apple’s new TV+ app for Android, I can’t help but feel a tinge of jealousy.
This is mainly because the Android version boasts a feature that resonates with the saying, “less is more.”
The app solely provides content from Apple TV+ (along with Apple’s somewhat separate soccer streaming service).
When you launch the Apple TV app on Android, you’re greeted only with content available through TV+.
This means that the app exclusively showcases TV shows and movies accessible with an Apple TV+ subscription, similar to most other streaming apps.
Open Netflix? You’ll find exclusively Netflix content ready for immediate playback. The same goes for Max, Peacock, and many others.
Now, Apple TV+ users on Android can enjoy that same level of convenience.
This might seem like a minor point, but it actually addresses a significant challenge for iPhone users.
iPhone users facing a perplexing Apple TV+ app ordeal
It’s hard to believe that Apple wouldn’t improve the TV+ interface for Android users as compared to their iPhone, yet that’s what’s seemingly happened.
Upon opening the Apple TV app on the iPhone, the TV+ experience is notably more complex.
You’ll encounter shows and films from Apple TV+, but also from Disney+, Prime Video, Starz, AMC, Max, Peacock, Hulu, and more. Not to mention all the films and shows available in Apple’s digital video store (previously known as iTunes).
Although there’s a straightforward solution: switching tabs. You can simply tap on the second tab of the app that houses only TV+ content.
However, for many users—especially newcomers to Apple TV+—this configuration can prove to be extremely bewildering.
I’ve noticed countless social media posts over the years from users who open the Apple TV app and assume the content displayed is part of the Apple TV+ subscription. They become frustrated when they discover that it’s not, and Apple instead offers to:
- sell them that content separately through its digital store
- or redirect them to a different streaming service’s app, which they might need to download first before subscribing to that service
Such confusion inadvertently damages the perception of Apple TV+.
Over on Android, these issues simply don’t exist.
Conversely, if you’re on an iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV 4K, the TV app regrettably delivers a subpar TV+ experience.
This is predominantly because the TV app on those devices doesn’t solely cater to Apple TV+. Rather, it serves as a hub for various video services.
There are advantages to this model. Personally, I appreciate having most of my TV content (excluding Netflix) organized in a single, unified feed.
Additionally, it benefits Apple as they earn a portion of the subscription fees when users sign up for other services while also selling videos from their store.
However, these benefits come at the expense of a somewhat challenging user interface.
But this doesn’t need to be the situation. A straightforward solution is available.
A new dedicated TV+ app could be the optimal solution
Apple could develop a dedicated Apple TV+ app for the iPhone that integrates with its existing aggregator app while functioning independently—just like other streaming applications do.
Before pursuing this, however, they may want to consider a rebranding.
I’ve previously stated that renaming TV+ would be beneficial for several reasons.
In relation to launching a new app, it would prevent confusion for iPhone users who wouldn’t have to deal with two separate applications named ‘Apple TV+’ and ‘Apple TV.’
Until such changes are implemented, Android users will continue to enjoy a streamlined, straightforward Apple TV+ experience that iPhone users currently lack.
Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month and includes popular series and films such as Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Silo, and Shrinking.
