Apple TV Gains Google Cast on Android — Not iOS Yet
• Google Cast is now available in the Apple TV app for Android devices (app version 2.2). • The Google Cast option is exclusive to Android; Apple TV for iOS still lacks Cast support. • Android app still does not support AirPlay — casting is one-way for now. • Look for the cast icon in the top-right of the play screen and in the pause overlay after updating.
What changed
Apple has added Google Cast support to the Apple TV app on Android, filling a long-standing gap since the app's launch earlier this year. The change lets Android users send Apple TV+ shows and movies — from dramas like Pluribus to documentaries — directly to Chromecasts and many Cast-enabled smart TVs.
How to enable and use casting
To use the new feature, update the Apple TV app on your Android device to version 2.2. Once updated, a cast button appears in the top-right corner of the play screen, next to the mute button, and in the pause overlay while content is playing.
Tapping the cast icon will surface nearby Cast-capable devices (Chromecast dongles, Chromecast built-in TVs, and some third-party receivers). Select the target display and playback transfers from your phone to the TV while your device serves as a remote for pause, seek, and volume control.
Troubleshooting
If you don’t see the button, confirm the app is updated to v2.2, verify your phone and TV are on the same Wi‑Fi network, and ensure the receiving device supports Google Cast. Restarting the app or your router can resolve discovery issues.
Limitations and platform quirks
Apple’s Cast support is currently Android-only; the iOS Apple TV app has not gained Google Cast functionality. Conversely, the Android app still lacks AirPlay, Apple’s wireless streaming protocol, so there’s no parity between platforms yet.
The rollout comes shortly after Netflix removed phone-to-TV casting for many smart TVs, a change that pushed more viewers to rely on built-in TV apps. Apple’s decision to add Cast on Android makes it easier for non‑iPhone users to watch Apple TV+ content on larger screens without switching apps on their TV.
Why it matters
Adding Google Cast addresses a core usability gap for Android customers and simplifies playback of Apple TV+ originals on third-party displays. It’s a pragmatic move to meet users where they are, but platform feature parity remains incomplete while AirPlay and iOS Cast support are not aligned.
For Android users who stream from their phones, this update removes a friction point — just update to v2.2 and look for the cast icon to begin streaming Apple TV+ to your TV.
