The Apple TV app on each Google TV and Android TV not has an choice to buy or hire motion pictures or TV reveals, fueling hypothesis that Apple has deliberately eliminated the perform to keep away from Google’s 30% fee charges.

FlatpanelHD first reported the app downgrade, confirming proof posted by disgruntled Reddit customers. Apple TV was added to Android TV and its successor, Google TV, final yr, giving house owners of TVs operating Google’s software program the flexibility to hire and buy motion pictures with their Apple accounts.

We examined it ourselves, and certain sufficient, motion pictures can not be rented or bought. When I tried to obtain Spider-Man: No Way Home, the app solely gave me a “How to watch” choice. Selecting it introduced up one other display screen stating “You can buy, rent, or subscribe in the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, and other streaming devices.” The tabs on the prime for Movies, Shows, and Apps, have vanished.

The tabs for Movies, Shows, and Apps, have vanished, and all that is still on the Apple TV app on Google TV is the choice to observe Apple originals when subscribed to Apple TV+. The identical “How to watch” immediate additionally seems beside Apple TV+ reveals, suggesting they aren’t out there; nevertheless, the episodes are viewable beneath the present’s title web page. You can proceed renting and shopping for motion pictures from the Apple TV app if you happen to keep away from downloading the most recent model and films bought or rented can nonetheless be accessed out of your film library, even within the newest app model.

We’ve reached out to Apple and Google and can replace this text when we hear again.

Apple’s obvious choice to reduce its app on TVs operating Google’s platform is perhaps a manner of avoiding Google’s 30% fee on in-app purchases, as theorized by FlatpanelHD.

It is unclear why Apple has downgraded its app on Android TV and Google TV however it might be associated to fee charges. Like Apple, Google fees a 30% fee on in-app purchases however not all in-app purchases have been lined by the settlement prior to now. It is feasible that new phrases have been launched.

If that is the case, Apple is enjoying a harmful sport of hypocrisy, having just lately defended its personal charges after being sued by Fortnite maker Epic Games. In the aftermath of the blockbuster authorized battle, Apple was ordered to make it doable for builders so as to add hyperlinks to exterior fee choices for apps on the App Store as a result of the corporate was discovered to be in violation of California’s Unfair competitors Law. Apple continues to face stress from antitrust authorities all over the world.

We’re nonetheless awaiting phrase from Apple on why the adjustments have been made, and whether or not additional updates are deliberate for the app. What we do know is that this was not accidentally and the immediate redirecting Google TV customers to Apple’s personal platform suggests the corporate has no plans of reintroducing the characteristic.