Google’s Chromecast will support Apple TV Plus, even though your phone doesn’t

Credit: David Imel / Android Authority

• Google’s new Chromecast with Google TV will support Apple TV Plus in early 2021.
• You can watch subscription shows as well as your Apple movie purchases and channels.
• Android phones are still out of luck, however.

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You still can’t use Apple TV Plus on an Android phone, but that isn’t stopping Google from bringing it to the company’s own media streaming device. The search firm has revealed that the Apple TV Plus app is coming to the Chromecast with Google TV in early 2021.

You’ll have access to Apple TV Plus originals like Ted Lasso and Greyhound, your Apple movie and TV show purchases, and any of your subscribed Apple TV Channels. Google TV will also put Apple’s originals in your recommendations, searches and Watchlist.

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Apple TV Plus was rolling out to Android TV before, but primarily to Sony sets. More Android TV devices will get support “in the future,” Google said.

Google thinks this might give it an edge in the living room. With Apple TV Plus, the Chromecast with Google TV is one of the few streaming devices to support all the major services — you don’t have to be picky about what you watch. This also comes just days after Google unveiled support for Apple Music on Nest speakers, hinting at warmer relations between the erstwhile rivals.

The announcement might be frustrating for some people, though. While Apple TV Plus is available on a wide range of non-Apple gear, including game consoles, dedicated boxes, and smart TVs, you still can’t use it on an Android phone or tablet. That makes the service a tough sell if you don’t live in an Apple-centric household and sometimes watch beyond the TV.