Comcast Is Adding Apple TV+ To Its Set-Top Boxes, Hubs, And TVs

Comcast is bringing the Apple TV app to the company’s set-top boxes, hubs, and televisions. Apple has been aggressively expanding its Apple TV app to more platforms since the launch of Apple TV+, the company’s original content video streaming service. The latest expansion of support comes soon after Apple TV+ arrived on Chromecast with Google TV.

Apple TV+ is a relative newcomer to the video streaming service, only launching two years ago. Originally, Apple TV+ could only be streamed on Apple’s own devices. However, the company slowly began working on applications for game consoles, smart TVs, and streaming boxes. Despite being late to the party, Apple has a few breakout shows already, including Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, and Mythic Quest.

During the company’s recent earnings call, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts announced that the Apple TV app is coming to the company’s Xfinity X1, Flex, and XClass TV platforms. In return, Comcast’s Xfinity Stream and Sky Go apps will be coming to Apple TV devices. The XClass TVs, built by Hisense, are Comcast’s first foray into an actual TV set. The company has historically stuck to set-top boxes that connect to the customer’s existing TV. The new TVs will start at $298 and include 12 months of Peacock Premium with ads.

Apple TV App, Everywhere

The Apple TV app is more than just Apple TV+, however. Users are able to purchase, rent, and play movies or TV shows that are on the iTunes Store. In addition, users can also subscribe to channels such as Starz, Paramount+, Showtime, and more through Apple’s TV Channels feature. Users are also able to access third-party content from services such as Disney+, HBO Max, and Hulu directly within the Apple TV app. Outside of Apple’s own devices, most variations of the Apple TV app don’t allow access to third-party streaming services (outside of Apple TV Channels) from within the Apple TV app.

As is the case with all other streaming apps out there, being on more platforms is a good thing. Streaming apps should be available on every platform users want them on and not forced to use specific platforms to access content. Apple isn’t home free, though. Apple TV is still MIA on both Android and Windows. Yes, Apple TV+ can be accessed on the web on either platform, but that’s not ideal. Especially considering the Apple TV+ website isn’t the greatest experience.

Source: Comcast

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