Apple TV is an App, a Streaming Device and a Streaming Service. Here's How to Tell Them Apart
Remember the old Newhart TV series? A television sitcom on CBS that ran for 8 seasons between 1982 and 1990. There were two brothers on the show and one was named Darryl and his other brother was also named Darryl. And this is what the current Apple TV naming convention is like.
Apple TV Media Streamer
When the Apple TV was released, at first it took off like a wildfire. Especially, when users figured out it could be Jailbroken to use with XBMC which was later renamed to KODI to watch free TV shows and movies. Apple finally put a stop to jailbreaking. And once Roku players and Fire TV streamers came on the scene, they were much more open so sales quickly took off. Meanwhile Apple TV sales dropped to where they are now a distant 3rd.
The Apple TV media streamer first launched in January 2007. And at the time, both Roku and Amazon's Fire TV were not yet a glimmer in their respective companies eyes. The first Apple TV model looked more like a Mac mini. Now several generations later, their current Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD look more like a small hockey puck.
The Free Apple TV App
The Apple TV app came along to act as a launcher for many different channels, shows and videos on the Apple TV platform. Much as other free apps like Pluto, XUMO, and STIRR. The Apple TV app was designed to provide a lot of great content on the Apple TV media player from inside this single app.
The Apple TV app is free and it's included on current Apple TV 4K and Apple HD models.
From this app, a user can subscribe to other paid streaming services like CBS All Access, Starz, HBO, Smithsonian, HULU, ESPN, Prime Video, EPIX and more.
This is a convenient way to pay for multiple apps through one app, instead of signing up for apps them one at a time through each provider's website.
The Apple TV app also tracks shows what you watch and lets you quickly launch another episode of a favorite show without jumping between multiple apps.
Apple TV+ Apple's Streaming Service
Apple recently joined the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu. And they now have a paid Apple TV+ streaming TV service which offers original TV content. Paid for and made exclusively by Apple.
A monthly subscription is not very expensive. Apple TV+ costs $4.99/month. And if you buy a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac you get full access for one year Free. This app is available on these same devices and it's also available on Roku, PCs, Samsung Smart TVs and Fire TV or through AirPlay.
Currently there is not a large library of shows available on Apple TV+. But there are some very good ones like The Morning Show, SERVANT, and For All Mankind.
There is also a recent rumor they may become the Future Home of NFL Sunday Ticket.
So there we have three distinct products from Apple all offering something a little different. Yet they all share a common Apple TV name.
