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Reading Time: 2 minutesA recent Apple TV update has removed a key feature from both Google TV and Android TV products. Users on those platforms can no longer purchase or rent movies. Apple is yet to announce why the functionality was removed. It’s widely believed the company is trying to avoid the 30% commission associated with purchases through Google devices.
On the plus side, any previously purchased content is still accessible through both Google TV and Android TV. If you’re looking to purchase new shows or movies, you’ll be greeted with a notification that pushes you towards a first-party Apple device. That includes a tablet such as an iPhone or iPad. The Verge is also reporting that “on-device Apple TV+ subscriptions are also no longer permitted.”
The Apple TV app and Apple TV+ first arrived on Google TV in early 2021, giving the platform access to a growing roster of original programming such as Ted Lasso, The Morning Show and Greyhound. It now seems that the app is a shell of its former self. The move isn’t unprecedented, as last week Apple TV users on Nvidia Shield began noticing the same lack of features.
Oddly enough, the Apple Support page is yet to be updated to reflect the changes. According to Apple’s own website, Google TV users can “buy or rent a movie” from dozens of supported Android TV and Google TV devices. A formal statement on why the tech giant nerfed the Apple TV app is yet to be announced.
Is Apple Avoiding Google’s 30% Commission?
Analysts can only come up with one reason for Apple to torpedo its own app – money. Google, like most digital storefronts, takes a 30% commission from all purchases. That means anytime someone buys or rents a movie through the Apple TV app on Google platforms, Apple is required to cough up some of the profits. By removing the functionality and pointing users towards Apple devices, the trillion-dollar company can avoid paying those extra fees.
It’s a bit hypocritical, as last year Apple defended its own storefront fees in a lengthy legal battle with Epic Games. Epic Games attempted to bypass Apple’s 30% commission on Fortnite purchases, only to have the popular game pulled from the App Store.
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Jon Bitner
Jon is a freelance writer who primarily focuses on topics related to video games, science, medicine and technology. Before starting his career as a writer he worked in the Biotechnology industry. He has a degree in Biology, and when he isn't writing he can usually be found traveling, playing video games or hunting down the latest deals.