Manzana has decided block the option to buy or rent content through the application of AppleTV on devices using AndroidTV or google tv. And although no official explanations have been given as to the reason for this measure, it would be related to the old dispute over the payment of commissions for the transactions carried out within the application.
According to the information available, the determination affects a significant number of devices. From Smart TVs and media players —such as NVIDIA Shield—, to Chromecasts that were launched in 2020 with Google TV, among others. From now on, users they will no longer be able to access new content from the Apple TV appalthough they will be able to see those that they have previously acquired and are in their libraries.
As explained from Android Authority and AppleInsiderwhen accessing the Cupertino service app with an Android TV device, the button is no longer displayed “To buy” when selecting a movie or series. From now on you only see the option “how to look”which indicates to the public that they must use an iPhone or iPad, or another streaming device.
It is worth mentioning that the blocking of purchases or rentals within the Apple TV app does not affect Apple TV+ content. However, TheVerge Note that it is no longer possible to create a new subscription to the streaming service from a device running Android TV or Google TV. To do this, the application requests to do it through the web.
The blocking of Apple TV to Android TV would be for the payment of commissions
For now, neither Apple nor Google have made public statements regarding this issue. However, the blocking of Apple TV to Android TV could be another chapter in the old dispute over commissions on purchases in-app.
Apparently, those from Cupertino would have made this determination so as not to have to pay Google a percentage for each transaction made from a device with your software. Let’s remember that those from Mountain View keep a 30% slice of each purchase, rental or new subscription that is generated through their platforms. However, it is not yet clear if Apple should pay this amount or if it was a minor commission.
It is also worth noting that the Apple TV app continues to work without restrictions on other non-Android devices. Such are the cases of PlayStation and Xbox consoles, Samsung and LG Smart TVs, and Roku devices, just to mention a few.
It is important to note that this is not the first time that Apple has made a determination of this type. Amazon’s Fire TV ecosystem devices were already experiencing a situation similar to that of Android TV and Google TV; that is, the Apple TV app did not allow buying or renting content either, which would surely also be related to the payment of commissions.
a fleeting experience
What is really striking about this issue is the short time that Apple TV has worked on Google platforms. It is that not even a year has passed since its massive arrival on devices with Android TV and Google TV. Although some teams began to have support for the Apple service at the end of 2020, it was not until the beginning of last June that there was a formal launch.
We will have to see how Google responds to the decision of the firm led by Tim Cook. And from the point of view of the users, beyond the bad news of losing part of the functions of the service, at least they have the peace of mind of be able to continue accessing the Apple TV + catalog without limitations.