Buried deep within a press release Apple announced that its TV app would be available on LG, Sony, and Vizio smart TVs in 2020. For Apple, it is a footnote; for cord cutters, it’s good news.
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Consumer demands
For many, cutting the cord is about unplugging from the cost and structure of pay TV. Being able to watch what you want, when you want, without commitments or demands is paramount.
Apple’s LG, Sony, and Vizio move proves major corporations know they must come to consumers, wherever they are. Currently, LG, Sony, and Vizio are three of the eight biggest TV brands in the United States. The biggest, which is Samsung, already offers the Apple TV app.
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The platform battle is over
This is all about accessibility. Apple’s decision to put its TV app on more devices is a sign the corporate fight remains over premium services. Content is fragmenting, but platforms are unifying, and Roku dominates. The Californian, Los Gatos company has over a 30 percent market share nationally and looks untouchable.
What does all this mean? Whatever smart TV brand you buy in 2020, it will likely support the Apple TV app — and more importantly for Apple, you’ll have access to their premium service Apple TV+.
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What is the Apple TV app?
What you need to know about the Apple TV app:
- The Apple TV app offers over 30 channels
- You can directly subscribe to premium video services via the app
- Users will be able to access their existing libraries of movies and TV shows purchased through iTunes
- Via Apple TV, you can subscribe to the premium Apple TV+ service. It costs $4.99 monthly and includes great shows like Servant, See, and The Morning Show.
To find out how to sign up to Apple TV+, check out our guide.