Apple Inc. has made its Apple TV+ on Android streaming service available, marking a rare expansion beyond its ecosystem. The app is now downloadable from the Google Play Store, allowing Android users to stream Apple’s exclusive content.
Apple has historically focused on iOS and MacOS, rarely developing software for Android. The last major app Apple launched on Android was Apple Music nearly a decade ago. However, this move signals Apple’s shift toward prioritizing service expansion over device exclusivity.
Expanding to a Wider Audience
While iPhones dominate the U.S. market, Android holds a 72% global smartphone market share, according to Statcounter. By launching Apple TV+ on Android, Apple is tapping into a broader audience.
Apple’s Services division, including Apple TV+, iCloud, Apple Music, and AppleCare, is its second-largest revenue stream after iPhone sales. The division recorded an annual revenue of $100 billion last year. Apple TV+ plays a crucial role in this growth, featuring hit titles like Ted Lasso and Severance, alongside live coverage of Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball.
Pricing and Availability in Nigeria
Findings from Nairametrics reveal that the Apple TV+ on Android app is not yet available in Nigeria’s Google Play Store, despite Apple’s announcement. When available, users can subscribe via Google accounts.
Apple TV+ remains a strong competitor in the streaming market. The service costs $10 per month in the U.S. and is bundled with Apple One, offering access to iCloud storage, Apple Music, and more. While revenue-sharing terms remain undisclosed, both Apple and Google typically take a 15% commission from in-app subscriptions.
Key Streaming Industry Insights
The streaming industry continues evolving, with Netflix maintaining dominance with 277.65 million global subscribers. The company has been exploring live sports broadcasting, including potential bids for U.S. Formula 1 broadcasting rights in 2026.
In Nigeria, top streaming platforms include Amazon Prime Video, which is strengthening its Nollywood presence, and Showmax, backed by MultiChoice, which focuses on local content and live sports. IrokoTV remains a key platform for Nollywood films, serving both local and diaspora audiences.
Netflix has heavily invested in African content, spending over $23 million on Nigerian productions since 2016. Between 2016 and 2022, Netflix allocated $175 million to creative industries across Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya.
The launch of Apple TV+ on Android marks a major shift in Apple’s strategy, allowing a broader audience to access its exclusive content. As competition intensifies in the streaming industry, Apple’s expansion could significantly impact its market position. Android users can now experience Apple’s premium content without needing an Apple device.
