Apple TV Apps Can Now Be Purchased On iOS & macOS Devices

It is clear that Apple does envision a future in which all of their products and services are linked to each other regardless of whether it runs on iOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and so on. We’re already seeing that happen with iOS and macOS where you can sync your calendar, notes, contacts, and even receive phone calls and messages from your phone on your Mac.

Now the good news for Apple TV owners is that if you come across a tvOS app while browsing on your macOS or iOS device, you’ll be able to purchase it and have it downloaded to your Apple TV when you launch it. Prior to this, tvOS app searches were pretty much limited to the Apple TV, meaning that sometimes you might forget or it might not be as convenient, like when you’re outside.

Before you get too excited, note that the iTunes App Store still won’t display tvOS exclusive apps. Instead how this works is through the iTunes Link Maker, meaning that websites can put a direct link to their Apple TV app on their website, which in turn will let iOS/macOS users purchase it via their tablets, phones, or computers and then download it on their Apple TV.

For users who have automatic downloads enabled on the Apple TV, this means that when you fire up the device you won’t need to go search for it as it should download itself automatically.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Apple, Gadgets
Tags: Apple TV, Apps, iOS, macOS