Apple TV now available on Roku devices

October 18, 2019 - 17:14 -- RokuGuide

Apple TV now available on Roku devicesApple TV became available on Roku devices this week, and Roku users will be able to access the new Apple TV+ subscription service when it launches on November 1st. Apple TV currently offers a library of thousands of movies and TV shows for purchase and rental. Users can also subscribe to nearly two dozen premium streaming services, including HBO, Showtime, Starz, and Cinemax.

The Apple TV app is free to download so you can can browse the video library and watch movie trailers without logging into an account. To buy or rent, though, you will need to sign in with your Apple ID using a mobile device or through the Roku device. If you don't have an Apple ID, you can create one at activate.apple.com.



Movie and TV prices vary, but current titles like "The Lion King," "Toy Story 4," and "Spider-Man: Far From Home" can be purchased for $19.99 or rented for $5.99. Other titles, such as "Rocketman," have a purchase price of $9.99. The TV show "Fargo" can be purchased for $2.99 per episode or $24.99 for a full season.

As one would expect from Apple, the Roku app has a well-designed user interface. Select a movie and you'll be able to add it to your "Up Next" queue, watch a trailer for that movie, and browse related titles. You'll also see a list of cast and crew - click on any cast or crew member for a short bio and list of other movies with which they are credited. Each movie screen also provides ratings from Common Sense and Rotten Tomatoes, along with information such as studio, available languages, and accessibility. Thankfully, Apple TV does not use autoplay previews like Netflix, so you won't need to mute the sound while browsing.

The Apple TV app opens on the Watch Now screen, which provides recommendations on what to watch, free series premieres (intended, of course, to entice you into subscribing to a premium service), "New & Noteworthy" shows and movies, and top rentals. This screen also provides video categories such as LGBTQ Stories, Inspiring Stories, and films that can be purchased for under $10. Other screens available from the app's menu bar at the screen include Movies, TV Shows, and Kids. Your library of purchased and rented content can be found here, along with access to the app's search function.

When it launches on November 1st, Apple+ will let subscribers stream more than 100,000 movies and TV shows for $4.99 per month, including original Apple series like For All Mankind, The Morning Show and Oprah's Book Club.

How to Add Apple TV to your Roku Device

Here is the easiest way to add Apple TV to your Roku:

  1. From your Roku's home screen, select Streaming Channels > Search Channels and search on "Apple TV."
  2. Select Apple TV from the search results, then select "Add channel."
  3. Apple TV will now be at the end of the list of your installed channels when you return to your Roku's home screen.

Roku Compatibility with Apple TV

Although most Roku users will be able to download the Apple TV app, it's not available on all devices. As of October 2019, Roku identifies the following devices as being compatible with Apple TV:

  • Roku TV - 7000X, C000X, 8000X
  • Roku Smart Soundbar - 9101X
  • onn.™ Roku Smart Soundbar - 9100X
  • Roku Express - 3900X, 3930X
  • Roku Express+ - 3910X, 3931X
  • Roku HD - 3932X
  • Roku Streaming Stick - 3800X
  • Roku Streaming Stick+ - 3810X, 3811X
  • Roku Premiere - 3920X, 4620X
  • Roku Premiere+ - 3921X, 4630X
  • Roku Ultra - 4640X, 4660X, 4661X, 4670X
  • Roku Ultra LT - 4662X
  • Roku 2 - 4205X, 4210X
  • Roku 3 - 4200X, 4230X

Countries where Apple TV on Roku is Available

Currently, Apple TV is available on Roku devices only in the US, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

For more information, visit our Apple TV Roku channel page.