Android device owners who want a better way to watch Apple TV+ shows on their phones and tablets, rejoice! On Wednesday, Bloomberg spotted a job listing the Careers at Apple site for an Android software engineer to work on the Apple TV app. Apple has yet to announce an Android version of its Apple TV app, but it’s apparently in the works.
“The Apple TV app team is looking for a proactive, hardworking and experienced senior android engineer to lead the development of fun new features, and to help build an application used by millions to watch and discover tv and sports,” reads the summary.
If you don’t own an Android device, you might be surprised to learn that the app isn’t on Android. Apple has released a few mobile apps on Google Play, including Apple Music and Beats, but its Apple TV app has remained elusive. Currently, the easiest way to watch Apple TV+ content on an Android phone or tablet is by visiting tv.apple.com in a browser.
That said, the Apple TV app has been available on Android TV and Google TV for quite a while. You can’t make any purchases in the apps, but you can watch everything you purchase, rent, or subscribe to once you log in with your Apple ID.
It’s baffling that it took Apple this long to bring Apple TV to Android. It’s understandable (if rather frustrating) that the company refuses to bring exclusive features like iMessage or FaceTime to Android, but why cut off an enormous revenue stream from one of your subscription services? I’m sure I’d be far less likely to sign up for Apple TV+ if I owned an Android phone and couldn’t watch shows and movies on the service’s dedicated app.
Apple has yet to announce this move, but maybe we’ll hear more about it at WWDC 2024, which kicks off with a keynote address on June 10 at 10 a.m. PDT / 1 p.m. EDT.
