Can t find apple tv app on mac

In the past, Mac users who wanted to watch and buy videos were forced to use iTunes. But with the release of macOS Catalina in 2020, Apple replaced the video features of iTunes with a dedicated app called Apple TV. Available for anyone who has since upgraded their Mac, the Apple TV app offers access to your existing library of TV shows and movies. It also lets you buy and rent videos and watch a curated selection of content.

If you subscribe to Apple TV+, the streaming service lives inside the TV app, where you can catch Apple's original shows, including Ted Lasso, WeCrashed, and Severance. Here's how to use the Apple TV app for your video fix.


Can t find apple tv app on mac

I've been working for PCMag since early 2016 writing tutorials, how-to pieces, and other articles on consumer technology. Beyond PCMag, I've written news stories and tutorials for a variety of other websites and publications, including CNET, ZDNet, TechRepublic, Macworld, Popular Science, Time, Fortune, US News & World Report, and AARP Magazine. I spent seven years writing breaking news for CNET as one of the site’s East Coast reporters. I've also written two books for Wiley & Sons—Windows 8: Five Minutes at a Time and Teach Yourself Visually LinkedIn.

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Apple's TV app explained: How does it work and where is it available?

Can t find apple tv app on mac
Britta O'Boyle, Deputy editor

Can t find apple tv app on mac
·   Updated  9 December 2022 ·

Explainer Provides context or background, definition and detail on a specific topic.

Apple

Can t find apple tv app on mac
Why you can trust Pocket-lint

(Pocket-lint) - The Apple TV app is a way to access the Apple TV+ streaming service but it can do a lot more than just that. 

The TV app is designed to be your central hub for movie and TV show content. It shows content from iTunes, your library, connected streaming services, subscription Channels and Apple TV+.

  • The cheapest and fastest way to get Apple TV+ on your TV

Previously the TV app was called the Videos app but in 2016, it was changed to TV. In the US it's supported by services such as Hulu, Starz, HBO Now, or CBS, while in the UK streaming partners include Amazon Prime Video, ITV, BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5, Disney+ and StarzPlay.

We've delved a little deeper into the new app and the features it offers. You can also read our feature on how the Apple TV app works in detail on iPhone and iPad with some tips and tricks to get the most out of it.

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Library

Apple's TV app has a Library screen so you can find all the movies and TV shows you've already purchased or rented on iTunes. You can browse your content by movies or TV shows, recently purchased, or genres. When you are ready to watch something, just tap it and then select the Play button with the app knowing where you left it last.

On iOS, you can also download a movie or TV show to your device, for offline-viewing. Just tap the download button after you select the TV show or movie. To access your downloads, go to the Downloaded section in the Library tab of the TV app. When you tap a downloaded movie or TV show, it will automatically open and play.

Search

Tap the Search tab and manually enter any TV show,  movie title or subscription service in the text field. Apple will then see where that show or movie is showing be it the BBC or ITV or Amazon for example, or give you the top shows and movies from the subscription service you've searched. You can also use the Search tab to see trending movies and TV shows.

How does Apple's new TV app work on other devices?

On TVs and other third-party devices, the app has been designed to work in a virtually identical way to how the TV app looks on an Apple device. The functionality and layout is the same with the only core difference being how the app handles content from other parties outside of Apple.

What that means is that only content that is available from Apple or the Apple Channels is available in the app. This is because the app isn't able to open other apps on the TV operating system like BBC iPlayer or ITV Hub - and with this comes a word of caution because the Apple TV app will often list content to buy that's available free in other apps.

With the introduction of the TV app on TVs, you can also stream from your iOS devices via AirPlay 2. AirPlay 2 offers support for 1080p streaming or mirroring of the iOS device. Note this isn't supported on Fire TV or Roku devices.

How do Apple TV Channels work?

One of the features of the TV app is Channels - and this includes the Apple TV+ service.

In the US, channels include HBO, Starz, Showtime, Smithsonian Channel, EPIX and Tastemade, and more will be added over time, including CBS All-Access and MTV Hits. 

In the UK Channels include BFIPlayer, StarzPlay, Arrow TV, Arrow Video Channel, MUBI, Smithsonian and Tastemade.

Subscribers can watch and download shows and movies both online and offline, including HBO in the US. Through Family Sharing, up to six family members can share subscriptions to Apple TV channels using just their Apple ID and password.

What about Apple TV+?

As we've mentioned in several places, Apple's streaming TV service - Apple TV+ - is integrated into the Apple TV app. Whether you're viewing on an iPad or a Roku device, everyone gets access to Apple TV+ through the Apple TV app. 

As mentioned above, you'll find Apple TV+ in the Originals tab, but it's also liberally promoted in the Watch Now section of the app, so as soon as you open it up you'll see either an Apple TV+ show or an invitation to try it out. There's a seven-day trial period to get you started, but then it's £6.99 or $6.99 a month.

The Apple TV+ experience is presented very much the same whether you're using the app on an iOS device or a third-party device. You can find out a lot more about Apple TV+ right here.

Apple

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What services are supported on the Apple TV app beyond Channels?

In the UK the service is supported by BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Channel 4, My5, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hopster, MUBI, Curiositystream, Classix, Shudder, Sundance. However, Sky's Now TV and Netflix aren't currently part of the offering. 

In the US the service works with Hulu, CBS All Access, Showtime, HBO NOW, plus some smaller services. Netflix isn't offered on the app. 

Where is Apple TV app on my Mac?

In Safari on your Mac, go to tv.apple.com to subscribe to and watch Apple TV+.

Why can't I get the Apple TV app on my MacBook?

Macs with earlier versions macOS cannot have the Apple TV app. Those Macs would use the iTunes application for. Other Apple TV app Channels are not available on those older Macs. Macs with earlier versions macOS cannot have the Apple TV app.

Why can't I find the Apple TV app?

Go to your device's app store and search for the Apple TV app or Apple TV+ app. If you don't see the app that you're looking for, check your device's compatibility. Download the app.

Why can't My computer find my Apple TV?

Try these steps first.
Make sure that your AirPlay-compatible devices are turned on and near each other..
Check that the devices are updated to the latest software and are on the same Wi-Fi network..
Restart the devices that you want to use with AirPlay or screen mirroring..