Apple TV app now surfacing on Sony Android TVs [Update]

Apple caused something of a stir when it announced last year that it was bringing an Apple TV app to Samsung’s latest smart TVs. With Apple shelving plans for its own Apple TV smart TV set a couple of years ago, it has taken an interest in extending the reach of its services business, particularly in the face of peak iPhone. Until recently, Apple frenemy Samsung has had an exclusive on the Apple TV app, but that is no longer the case with the app also rolled out to Amazon Fire TV devices and Roku platform last week.

Apple did say that it would eventually bring the app to TVs from Sony, LG and Vizio and it looks like the rollout is now underway with Sony the first cab off the rank. The Apple TV app effectively eliminates the need for anyone who owns one of these new TVs from requiring an Apple TV STB. With the Apple TV+ subscription set to launch within the Apple TV app soon, the timing of the expanded rollout makes perfect sense.

According to 9to5Mac, who first reported on the development, it looks like only Sony’s newer smart TVs are compatible. This includes the Sony Z9G Series (2019), Sony A9G Series (2019), Sony A950G Series (2019) and the Sony X850G Series (2019 85”, 75”, 65” and 55” models). Each of these TVs also happens to feature support for Apple AirPlay 2 which suggests it’s no coincidence that the app has been reserved for these model.

Update: Sony has reached out to us to refute the original report. According to the company it isn't in the process of rolling out the app although there are suggestions it might have inadvertently been made available before being pulled.