The TV app is an app that allows you to watch movies and series. You will find the Originals of Apple TV + Apple's own streaming video service. In addition, you will find iTunes movies and content from other services. What options does the TV app have and what can you do with it?
Update 20 December 2022: There are rumors that the TV app will also come to Android. That says rumored SchrimpApplePro, who previously made correct predictions. Apple is said to be testing the app internally and would like to release it soon. A specific time has not yet been mentioned. The TV app is already available on some Android TVs and Chromecast with Google TV. Previously, motivated Android users eager to watch had to go to the web (tv.apple.com) or grab a suitable other device. There is plenty of choice in this area: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Roku and Amazon Fire TV are some examples.
- Explanation
- Devices
- Offer
- Link TV app to Disney+
- Features
Update 2 June 2021: Apple's TV app is now also available on Nvidia Shield and on televisions running Android TV. Support for Google Chromecast 2020 with Google TV was added earlier this year. With that, the TV app is now available on all Android TV devices. The Nvidia Shield has support for Dolby Vision and 4K content (from 2019 model). You can also control the TV app with Google Assistant for Android TV.
If you're looking for a new movie or series, Apple's TV app is a good place to start . With the TV app you can watch movies and series from Apple TV+ and you can browse iTunes movies and content from Netflix, Disney+ and other providers. The app is available on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Xbox, PlayStation and various smart TVs and streaming devices such as Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
What is Apple's TV app ?
Apple's TV app is a collection point for films and series offered by various parties. It is therefore not an app for watching live TV on your iPhone or iPad, because you will only find on-demand offers. The app is a standard part of iOS and tvOS and replaces the former Videos app. In terms of functions, the app is therefore very similar to the Videos app, but there are more options. In addition to renting and buying iTunes films, you can also view the range of Disney + and Netflix.
The TV app has been available in the Netherlands and Belgium since iOS 12.3 and tvOS 12.3. A version for macOS followed later and the app has gradually appeared on more and more devices. Americans have been able to use the TV app since iOS 10 (2016).
Which devices does the TV app work on?
The TV app is available on the following devices:
- iPhone and iPad: from iOS 12.3
- Apple TV 3: from software update 7.3
- Apple TV 4 (HD) and 4K: from tvOS 12.3
- Mac : from macOS Catalina
- Smart TVs: Many models from LG, Samsung, Sony and Vizio
- Game consoles: Playstation 4 and 5; Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S
- Android TV: Smart TVs running Android TV, including Philips
- Streaming devices: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast 2020 with Google TV and Nvidia Shield
What can you watch via the TV app?
In the TV app you will mainly find content from the iTunes Store and Apple TV+. So you can rent and buy movies via the app, or subscribe to Apple's own streaming TV service and then watch all kinds of movies and series.
You can also search for titles in the app. The app then redirects you to apps in which these titles can be seen, such as the Netflix app. In the Netherlands, the TV app also redirects you to Amazon Prime Video and Hayu, a relatively new streaming service for reality TV series. You will find more in the TV app than what Apple itself offers. In the suggestions you will also find paid content, such as the movie Tenet in the image below.
If you are a subscriber of Apple TV+, you will find all your own content on the Originals tab (since iOS 14.3) that you have subscribed to. can watch at no additional cost. For TV+ you pay a fixed amount per month, so you can watch series and documentaries by Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg, among others. You can download all films and series to watch offline. You can read more about Apple TV+ in our explanation.
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Apple TV+: everything about the movies and series of Apple's video service
Apple TV+ is Apple's own streaming video service. It costs €6.99 per month, but there are also options to get free access. What is the offer of Apple TV Plus and which films and series are coming? Read all about Apple TV+, Apple's streaming service, here.
Apple TV Channels
In the TV app you will also find the so-called TV Channels. These are bundles of networks that Apple works with. There are currently three channels in the Netherlands: Apple TV+, Starzplay and Noggin. You can subscribe to these services directly from the TV app, so that you can also view all content there. Payments also go through Apple's app, so you don't have to create a separate account. In the US there is more choice in terms of available channels.
Link TV app to Disney+
You can link the TV app to Disney+, if you're subscribed to it. That means you can add Disney+ exclusive content to your watch list from the TV app. In addition, the TV app can now provide suggestions for other content on Disney+. Your viewing history from the Disney+ app is shared with the TV app. Based on this viewing history, you will receive suggestions for series and films that you have not yet seen. Unfortunately, it is not possible to watch Disney+ content in the TV app. You will still be redirected to the Disney+ app even if you don't have it installed. You can link your account as soon as you tap a Disney+ film or series in the TV app. A message will then appear to link the services.
See also 
Disney+ now works more closely with Apple's TV app
Disney+ now works more closely with Apple's own TV app. That means you can add Disney+ exclusive content to your watch list from the TV app.
What are the capabilities of the TV app?
The TV app consists of four parts: Watch Now, Originals, Library and Search. In the iPhone and iPad version you see the buttons at the bottom of the screen, on the Apple TV they appear at the top.
Watch now
At Watch Now you will find a varying range of viewing tips, new additions or films based on a certain genre. From here you can browse a selection prepared by Apple. At the top you jump directly to an overview of films. On Apple TV, you can use the Home button (the button with the TV screen) to go directly to the TV app. You can change this feature in your Apple TV settings (Settings > Remotes & Devices > Home Button). You can read more about that in our tip about setting up the Apple TV home button.
Originals
Here you will find Apple's own content. If you are a subscriber of Apple TV +, you can watch this (at no additional cost). If not, you have to become a subscriber for €4.99 per month. The range is growing regularly with a few films and series. There is less new content every week than Netflix, but that's because Apple's TV service hasn't been around that long and prefers movies and series specially made for Apple. Older content is barely present.
Library
The Library page lists movies and series you've downloaded so you can watch them offline. You'll also find content you've purchased from the iTunes Store. If Family Sharing is on, you can tap the family member's name to see what movies that person has purchased. As a family member, you can also watch it for free.
Search
With the search function you can search through the complete range of films and TV programs. You will also find a list of movies and series that are popular at the moment. Unfortunately, you cannot use filters when searching for titles.
Finally, you will find a few separate options in the Settings app that you can enable or disable. For example, you choose whether you want to allow playback over mobile data and in what quality this happens. You can also choose a preset for the image quality for films that you buy or rent.
Check out our other articles about watching TV on iPhone and iPad and watching TV on Apple TV.
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Watching TV on Apple TV: these are the possibilities
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