In 2019 Apple launched new services, including Apple TV +, a streaming video platform for which the company created a new app that, in a way, also came to replace iTunes and its movie catalog. In this post we tell you everything you need to know about this app, its interface and compatible devices.
Differences between Apple TV + and Apple TV
The terminology can sometimes lead to confusion, so it is important to differentiate well what each thing is. If we talk about Apple TV + , we are referring to the service through which we can access exclusive series, programs and movies of the company.
When we talk about Apple TV we can be referring to two things: the company’s device that we can connect to our televisions and the app itself that includes both Apple TV + and the other services that we are going to show in this article.
Devices compatible with the Apple TV app
Virtually all Apple devices in more than 100 countries are compatible with the Apple TV app. We excepted the HomePods and Apple Watch from here for obvious reasons, since the former has no screen and the latter has a screen too small to consume multimedia content on it.
Therefore, we can find this app on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV. Of course, these devices will have to have a version of the operating system equal to or greater than iOS 13, iPadOS 13, macOS Catalina and tvOS 13 . If your device does not update to these versions, you will not be able to enjoy the app or its content through it. This app is installed as standard in these operating systems, although if you deleted it, you can download it again in the corresponding App Store of each device.
At the moment there is no compatibility with Android devices, so there will also be no way to access content from these devices. However, we found some televisions compatible with the Apple TV app , so in these cases it would not be necessary to have to have any Apple equipment such as an iPhone.
What is in the Apple TV app?
Regardless of which device is being used, the application has the same content. On the one hand we find the Apple TV + catalog , in which we can find already well-known titles such as “The Morning Show” by Jennifer Aninston or “See” by Jason Momoa.
On the other hand we find an extensive collection of movies to rent or download. These are outside the Apple TV + package, so you will have to make a different payment for each of them. This would be the remains of the extinct iTunes, since this type of content could also be found in that app. Something very positive in all of these is the possibility of downloading the content on our device to see it without internet later.
On the other hand, we find something called Apple TV Channels and that is nothing other than being able to watch content from other streaming platforms such as HBO through this app. It does not mean that we can access the catalog of other services for free, but rather that this app unifies content from various platforms that have already been contracted. There are other cases such as the Net-flix content that may appear, but when you click on them, they will redirect us to the platform’s own app.
Somewhat confusing interface
Beyond subtle differences in the way of navigating through Apple TV, since it will not be the same on a screen like that of an iPhone than on an Apple TV with the Siri Remote, the truth is that we found some defects.
As a concept, the app is very good for encompassing all those contents that we have mentioned before. However, a more obvious division of each section is missed . When you enter the app you can find Apple TV + content next to a paid movie, leading to confusion because they are not included in the same package. That is why perhaps the app should be divided into tabs such as “Apple TV +”, “Movies” and “Other platforms” or similar.
As for the information we find, we must admit that it is somewhat more complete. Before playing any series or movie we can find useful information such as the recommended age, synopsis, duration, characters, actors and even production team for Apple TV + content.
We also find the always interesting search box to find the desired content more easily. It should be noted that if we start to watch an episode we can resume it from where we left it and on any other device, since the application stores that information.
An almost unimportant detail, but with some utility, is that of being able to omit content at the beginning . Whether it is the summary of previous chapters or the initial tune, there are platforms that incorporate a button that allows you to skip it. On Apple TV we find it sporadically, depending on what series it is and from which device it is playing.
In short, we can say that Apple TV is a very complete app with certain details to polish, such as its improved interface. Something that perhaps is not so much in the app itself but on Apple TV +, is the addition of new content with which to nurture the so far scarce catalog.