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Apple TV+ is now accessible for Android users to download. This marks a rare move by Apple, extending its own apps beyond iOS systems. The tech giant has been actively working to boost recurring revenue within its services sector, with a particular focus on Apple TV+.
The official availability of Apple’s streaming platform on Android devices is a significant development. The Apple TV+ app can now be found on the Google Play store for Android users to install, showcasing Apple’s willingness to broaden its offerings to non-iOS mobile devices. This strategic decision comes at a pivotal moment as Apple TV originals like “Silo” continue to capture widespread attention.
Reports reveal that Apple spared no expense, investing $20 million per episode for the production of season two of “Severance,” which debuted in January. Jacob Bourne, a tech analyst at EMARKETER, noted that the popularity of shows such as “Severance” and “Silo” has paved the way for Apple to tap into additional subscription revenue by engaging with Android users.
This move aligns with Apple’s evolving business approach aimed at enhancing revenue streams within its services realm, especially as the company faces challenges in its hardware sales, particularly in the wake of Chinese tech rivals impacting iPhone sales. Apple’s services revenue, encompassing subscriptions, iCloud, advertising, and Apple Care, notably expanded by 14% year over year, reaching a record-breaking $26.3 billion in Q1 of FY2025.
While this move is anticipated to drive up Apple’s services revenue in the current quarter, Morningstar analyst William Kerwin emphasized that this does not signify a complete opening of Apple’s ecosystem. Many features remain exclusive to iOS devices, underlining Apple’s commitment to maintaining its unique offerings.
The strategic expansion to Android devices has been positioned as a competitive move in the streaming industry, where Apple’s user base trails significantly behind that of Netflix. Forrester analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee highlighted the importance of this expansion in bolstering Apple’s position within the streaming market, where Netflix boasts a global paid membership exceeding 300 million.
Notably, an Apple TV+ subscription is priced at $9.99 per month in the US, while Netflix’s standard plan with ads stands at $7.99. Preceding the Android launch, Apple recently offered a free trial weekend for users to experience Apple TV+, a strategy aimed at attracting new subscribers.
Prior to its Android debut, the Apple TV app was already accessible on iOS devices, Windows platforms, and numerous smart TVs. Apple’s move to broaden its reach to Android users underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its services ecosystem while navigating the competitive landscape of the streaming industry.
