As the cord-cutting trend continues, streaming services are constantly trying to introduce new features and stay ahead of the competition. It’s challenging to satisfy diverse tastes and preferences while keeping prices reasonable.
Some streamers are offering specially curated bundles, allowing users to select the content they want and pay only for the channels they prefer, whether sports, news, or movies. YouTube TV just recently confirmed it will launch more than 10 genre-specific packages, providing more choice and flexibility to subscribers.
From time to time, however, streaming providers make a move that actually frustrates users. Earlier this month, Netflix quietly removed a popular service, which resulted in substantial negative feedback from its subscribers.
The largest streaming service removed the ability to cast content from its mobile app to most TVs and streaming devices, including Chromecast with Google TV. This caused negative reactions from subscribers across social media platforms, such as Reddit, with a number of them threatening to cancel their Netflix subscriptions.
Apple TV appears to be taking a lesson from Netflix, as it is launching Google Cast support.
Apple TV adds Google Cast streaming for Android users.
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Apple TV adds Google Cast streaming, but only for Android users
Apple TV has made it easier for Android users to enjoy content on their TVs with the addition of Google Cast support. Version 2.2 of the Apple TV app for Android, now rolling out on the Google Play Store, includes this new feature, according to Android Authority.
Judging by Netflix subscribers’ reactions, casting appears to be a very important feature. With the newest upgrade, Apple TV users can now cast Apple TV shows to their smart TVs and displays.
There’s a Cast button beside the Apple TV account bubble on the app’s homepage, and tapping it displays nearby Google Cast options, such as Nest Hubs and Chromecast devices.
The only downside is that Google Cast is currently available only on the Android version of Apple TV, not on iOS. Similarly, the Android app still does not support AirPay, according to The Verge.
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While casting, users can adjust the volume, control playback, navigate the video timeline, or change the language and captions. When a miniplayer with a playback timeline and a 10-second rewind button is tapped, it expands into a full screen with even more options. Both views show the device to which users are casting.
“This Apple TV for Android update is arguably the app’s biggest since it debuted on the platform nearly a year ago,” according to Android Authority’s Brady Snyder.
Apple TV’s evolution and recent milestones:
- In 2007, Apple first released the original Apple TV device, designed to sync and stream content from iTunes.
- Three years later, Apple introduced the second-generation Apple TV and removed its hard drive to create a smaller, streaming-only device.
- In March 2012, the third-generation Apple TV added support for 1080p HD video, according to Apple Gazette.
- Three years later, Apple launched the fourth-generation Apple TV (later called Apple TV HD), introducing tvOS, Siri Remote, and enabling App Store access.
- In 2017, Apple released the first Apple TV 4K, supporting 4K HDR video, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos.
- Two years later, Apple launched its streaming service Apple TV+ focusing on original TV shows and films. “The platform launched with titles such as ‘The Morning Show,’ ‘See,’ ‘For All Mankind,’ and ‘Dickinson.’ Unlike many other streaming services, Apple TV+ did not rely on an extensive back catalog, instead building its library from scratch with original productions,” according to Mac Rumors.
- In February 2025, Apple made a major move, making the Apple TV app available to download from Google Play on Android mobile devices, including phones, tablets, and foldables. The move enabled Android users to access award-winning Apple Original series and films on Apple TV+ along with MLS Season Pass, according to the official press release.
- In August 2025, Apple TV announced it was raising prices by 30% on the monthly plan, reported Business Insider.
- In October 2025, Apple TV+ dropped the “plus,” streamlining its name for both the service and ecosystem.
- Apple TV has grown in popularity over the years. It has about 30 million subscribers as of June 2024, according to data from FlixPatrol, placing it 13th among streaming giants.
Related: YouTube rolls out wild upgrades as creators sound alarm
