Skip to main content

Apple TV app hits Amazon Fire TV devices in preparation for Apple TV+ launch

Image used with permission by copyright holder

There’s nothing quite like a deadline to get things moving. With one week to go before the official launch of Apple TV+, Apple added its TV app to Amazon’s Fire TV platform. Available starting October 24 for both the Fire TV Stick (second generation) and Fire TV Stick 4K, the Apple TV app will also be making its way to other Fire TV devices in the coming weeks.

Recommended Videos

Apple’s TV app gives users access to a single environment in which they can stream video content from a wide variety of sources, including any previous iTunes purchases stored in iCloud. But the biggest reason Apple has to put its TV app on as many devices as possible is that it’s the exclusive home of Apple TV+, the company’s soon-to-launch $5 per month video streaming service.

Apple TV+ needs all of the potential eyeballs it can get. It launches into a video streaming market that is already fiercely competitive and getting hotter each month. With Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Sling TV, and dozens of other subscription services vying for consumers’ dollars, it will be interesting to see how much of a dent Apple can make. Not only will the service have limited content at launch, but Disney+ will be hot on its heels when it debuts on November 12.

Apple previously announced that it would roll out the TV app for many of the biggest streaming device platforms, including smart TVs from LG, Vizio, and others. So far, (in addition to Apple’s own devices) those platforms include select Samsung smart TVs, which also received AirPlay 2 support, Roku devices, and computers with modern web browsers. The addition of Fire TV streamers is a big milestone toward making the TV app accessible to everyone.

Fire TV Stick (second generation) and Fire TV Stick 4K customers will be able to download the app starting today in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and India. Fire TV Basic Edition customers in over 50 countries can also find the Apple TV app in the Amazon Appstore on their Fire TV. Fire TV Cube (first and second generation), Fire TV (third generation pendant design), Toshiba and Insignia Fire TV Edition smart TVs, and Nebula soundbar will all get the Apple TV app “soon,” however,  Fire TV (first and second generation) and Fire TV Stick (first generation) won’t be getting it.

Simon Cohen
Contributing Editor, A/V
Simon Cohen is a contributing editor to Digital Trends' Audio/Video section, where he obsesses over the latest wireless…
ESPN is now available on the Disney+ app, with some free content
ESPN on Disney+ on a TV.

As promised in May of this year, yesterday Disney added an ESPN tile to the Disney+ app, giving subscribers to the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ bundle access to ESPN+ sports content more conveniently from the Disney+ app.

Just like it did by adding the Hulu on Disney+ tile to the app earlier this year, the addition of ESPN+ is to serve as a hub for sports fans to watch a range of ESPN sports content.

Read more
How to cut the cord: quitting cable for streaming services
Roku Pro Series TV

If you're tired of paying too much for a cable subscription that doesn't deliver the shows you want to watch, then it may be time to cut the cord and head for greener pastures with streaming. Unlike the early days of streaming, the most popular streaming services and smart TVs now deliver access to huge amounts of content with VOD libraries, along with great new exclusive movies and shows. Even better, some streaming services also offer live streaming, which means you can still catch every new episode of your favorite shows without being hit with an expensive cable subscription.

Of course, having tons of options doesn't actually make figuring out which streaming service is right for you any easier. After all, Hulu + Live TV is different from Netflix, and when you start considering the options that Amazon Prime Video delivers, things get even trickier. When you throw streaming devices into the mix, it complicates everything even more. Have no fear, as we've got all the details you need to make an informed decision. Let's dig in.
Internet speed and streaming

Read more
Amazon’s Fire TV Soundbar Plus gets Dolby Atmos, but still no Fire TV
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus.

Amazon is getting serious about home theater sound with its first Dolby Atmos soundbar. Following the company's release of the $100 2.0-channel Amazon Fire TV Soundbar in 2023, it has a new addition to the family: the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus, which supports a 3.1-channel layout with both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, for $250. You can also buy it with a companion wireless subwoofer for $375 or add a set of wireless surround speakers for a 5.1-channel setup for $490. However, you'll need to think carefully before you buy. Unlike other soundbars that have optional wireless accessories, you can't buy the subwoofer and surrounds separately.

Just like the first Amazon Fire TV Soundbar, the Fire TV Soundbar Plus doesn't actually contain Fire TV streaming hardware. To watch Fire TV content, you'll still need a Fire TV, like the Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series that was announced at the same time, or one of Amazon's other Fire TV streaming devices. It's also not an Alexa device and isn't compatible with Amazon Alexa.

Read more