All apps
Subscription streaming
How Apple TV builds for TV
Native-first on tvOS, then ported as apps onto competitor TV platforms.
NativeTVMLKit / native on tvOS, packaged apps elsewhere7 of 7 platforms
Where Apple TV runs
General availability across the major smart-TV platforms. Support changes over time.
Tizen · Samsung
AvailablewebOS · LG
AvailableRoku · Roku
AvailableFire TV · Amazon
AvailableAndroid TV · Google
AvailabletvOS · Apple
AvailableSmartCast · Vizio
AvailableHow Apple TV is built for TV
On Apple's own tvOS the app is native, built with the platform's focus engine and TVMLKit. On Samsung, LG, Roku, Fire TV, Android TV, and Vizio it ships as a platform app so Apple's content reaches non-Apple hardware.
It is a clean example of native-where-it-counts, ported-everywhere-else, and of designing around each platform's focus model.
Building something like Apple TV?
- tvOS has its own focus engine and strict App Store review. Budget time for both.
- A native flagship plus ported apps is a valid strategy for reaching every living room.
- Respect each platform's native navigation instead of forcing one interaction model.
Availability and engineering details are compiled from public sources and change over time. Apple TV is a trademark of its owner; this page is an independent developer reference and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple TV.