In a significant shift from its long-standing tradition of keeping services exclusive to its ecosystem, Apple Inc. has introduced its Apple TV+ streaming service to Android users. The app is now officially available for download on the Google Play Store, granting Android users access to Apple’s exclusive entertainment content.
Historically, Apple has focused its software development on its proprietary iOS and macOS platforms, rarely venturing into Android. The last major Apple service made available on Android was Apple Music, which was launched nearly a decade ago. Since then, Apple has largely maintained its walled-garden approach, prioritizing integration within its own ecosystem. However, with the launch of Apple TV+ on Android, the company appears to be shifting gears, emphasizing service expansion over hardware exclusivity.
Apple’s decision to expand to Android is a calculated one. While iPhones dominate the U.S. market, Android commands an overwhelming 72% share of the global smartphone market, according to data from Statcounter. By making Apple TV+ accessible to Android users, Apple is effectively tapping into a massive audience that was previously excluded from its streaming service. This expansion aligns with the company’s broader strategy of increasing revenue from its Services segment, which has become an essential pillar of Apple’s financial success.
Apple’s Services division—which encompasses Apple TV+, iCloud, Apple Music, and AppleCare—is the second-largest revenue generator for the company, following iPhone sales. The division achieved an annual revenue rate of $100 billion last year, demonstrating the growing importance of services in Apple’s overall business strategy. Apple TV+ plays a crucial role in this success, offering a mix of award-winning original content, including hit shows such as Ted Lasso and Severance, as well as exclusive live sports coverage of Major League Soccer (MLS) and Major League Baseball (MLB).
Despite the excitement surrounding this expansion, initial findings reveal that the Apple TV+ app is not yet available on the Google Play Store in Nigeria, despite Apple’s official announcement. This limitation raises questions about Apple’s rollout strategy and whether it intends to make the app available in all regions over time.
In terms of pricing, Apple TV+ costs $10 per month in the United States and is also included in Apple One bundles, which provide access to additional services such as iCloud storage, Apple Music, and more. Apple has not disclosed the revenue-sharing details of the Android launch, but both Apple and Google typically take a 15% commission from streaming service subscriptions within their respective app stores.
The launch of Apple TV+ on Android signals Apple’s growing commitment to expanding its services beyond its own ecosystem. As competition in the streaming industry intensifies, Apple appears to be prioritizing content distribution and revenue growth over its traditional hardware-first approach. The move could potentially pave the way for more Apple services to become available on Android in the future, further blurring the lines between the company’s closed ecosystem and the broader tech landscape.
Join Our Telegram Channel For Instant Notification
