We've rounded up the best apps for Apple TV and Apple TV 4K.
If you're all about Apple's ecosystem of hardware and software, the Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K are pretty much the must-have devices for streaming. They link seamlessly to the App Store, and if you find yourself wanting to use AirPlay over Chromecast, they're essentially the only streaming devices on the market that can help you.
But the biggest advantage of Apple TV and Apple TV 4K is the App Store.
With thousands of apps and games to choose from on the App Store, it's a maze of content, some much better than others. While Apple does a good job of separating the good from the bad, some of the less popular apps can be difficult to find. That's why we're here to help.
We've scoured the App Store for the best apps and games for Apple TV - from streaming staples like Netflix and Disney Plus to more obscure games and apps hidden off the beaten path - we've found 30 games and apps you absolutely need . necessity.
Essential Apple TV apps
(Image credit: Apple)
Apple TV with Apple TV Plus
Is a subscription required? Like…
The best place to start finding content on Apple TV is... well, the Apple TV app. Here you'll find content recommendations from a range of service providers, including Amazon Prime Video, HBO and others, all of which have their own apps, which we'll cover below, as well as Apple's own service, Apple TV Plus. By the way, we recommend demoing the service for at least a week to watch The Morning Show, See, and one of our personal favorites, Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet.
(Image credit: Apple)
Apple Music
Is a subscription required? Yes
Of course, if you're looking for new music to unwind with, your best bet is the Apple Music app, which comes pre-installed on both Apple TV and Apple TV 4K. No, unfortunately this one isn't free either, but like Apple TV Plus, it comes with a pretty sizable free trial - in this case, three months. You'll fall in love with its incredibly curated playlists, expansive music library, and some nifty extra features like Beats1 Radio.
(Image credit: Apple)
Apple Arcade
Is a subscription required? Yes
One of the last important apps from Apple that is worth paying attention to immediately after downloading your Apple TV is Apple Arcade - this is both the name of the application and the name of Apple's gaming service, in which everything you can play, there are more than 100 titles, all from which you can download simultaneously. Here's some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that, again, it's not free, but the good news is that there is a free trial and the subscription is suitable for your entire family and will work on any of your iOS devices, including iPad and iPhone.
(Image credit: Apple)
YouTube
Is a subscription required? No
Tired of subscriptions at this stage? We don't blame you. To confuse things, make sure you've downloaded YouTube, which is probably the most content-rich app on the entire planet. For a new generation of viewers, YouTube has largely replaced traditional TV programming, but the big screen still produces videos and improves the viewing experience. The YouTube app brings your personal profile across your devices, so you can relax and enjoy your favorite YouTubers from the comfort of your couch.
(Image credit: Apple)
Apple Events
Is a subscription required? No
Apple Events may not be for everyone, but if you want to be one of the first to know about the next Apple TV, iPhone, or iPad, it's absolutely necessary to download it. The exact dates for Apple's WWDC developer event change every year, but this app will always be the best way to watch it.
Hacking tvOS
It should be said right away that JailBreak is not supported by all versions of the operating system. Typically, the hacking procedure becomes available about a year after the firmware is released. Although the exact algorithm for gaining access to the media player’s file manager depends on the selected toolkit, in general terms the sequence of required actions is represented by the following steps:
- Downloading tools.
- Connecting a TV set-top box to a computer via a USB cable.
- Installing the downloaded cracker via Cydia Impactor.
- Select the desired JailBreak option.
- Reboot the device.
The editors of a-apple.ru strongly discourage the use of such methods.
This procedure voids the device’s warranty and may lead to malfunctions. Responsibility for hacking any operating system falls entirely on the owner. JailBreak makes it possible to install non-certified utilities, including special IPTV launchers. Interestingly, the Apple manufacturer deprived the fifth generation of media player of a USB port and “killed” the ability to access the file manager precisely because of the increasing number of cases of hacking.
Best streaming services
(Image courtesy of TechRadar)
Netflix
Is a subscription required? Yes
If you're talking about streaming services, you should talk about Netflix. This may seem obvious to Netflix subscribers (or those who would like a free month trial), but the app is worth highlighting because of how well it works with Apple TV's new Siri-powered search. Just say, “Show me The Walking Dead Season 2,” and you'll instantly be able to watch any Season 2 episode on Netflix or iTunes. You'll still need an account subscription to use it, but at least the app is available for free.
(Image courtesy of Disney Plus)
Disney Plus
Is a subscription required? Yes
New to Apple TV devices is the Disney Plus app, which offers classic Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and even 20th Century Fox content like The Simpsons. You've probably heard of it because of its first hit series, The Mandalorian, which is exclusive to Disney Plus, but it has several other notable shows and movies that you won't find anywhere else. You'll still need an account subscription to use it, but at least the app is available for free.
(Image credit: Hulu)
Hulu
Is a subscription required? Yes
Hulu is like Netflix's little cousin. Both services have a ton of great content and work as a replacement for expensive cable bills, but Hulu goes even further by providing a live TV option in addition to its cheaper ad-supported version that costs a few dollars a month. While the ads are a bit annoying, Hulu is the only place where you can watch shows like The Mindy Project, Bob's Burgers, and The Handmaid's Tale, and that in itself makes it a pretty tempting choice.
(Image credit: Apple)
Amazon Prime Video
Is a subscription required? Yes
Amazon may not get as much airtime as Netflix for its video streaming efforts, but its Amazon Prime Video service does have a number of hits that are worth checking out. Recent years have seen a steady influx of exclusive shows such as Good Omens, The Man in the High Castle and Vikings, and the service also has an impressive selection of films. It's definitely worth checking out the catalog before subscribing, but if you're already a Prime subscriber, the Amazon Prime Video app is a no-brainer.
(Image credit: HBO Now)
HBO GO/HBO NOW
Is a subscription required? Yes
We could spend hours highlighting other apps for streaming video on Apple TV, but here we'll focus on just one, Emmy favorite HBO. There are actually two HBO apps: HBO Go for people who subscribe to the channel through a cable provider, and HBO Now for those who subscribe directly. The content is the same for both, and either option includes hits like Game of Thrones, Watchmen, Westworld and many more.
What do you need to know about the functionality of the Kinopoisk service?
The website kinopoisk.ru has long been known to domestic audiences as one of the most popular resources dedicated to cinema. The service has been operating since 2003, and now attracts a monthly audience of 35 million people, now including TV users. The number of active subscribers of the service exceeds 4.3 million.
The site provides various information about the world of cinema, including information about the film, trailers, posts, wallpapers. Users of the resource can rate the film, write reviews of films, add them to expected ones, buy tickets to visit the film in the cinema, and much more.
In addition to a variety of information about films, actors and famous events in the world of cinema, the functionality of the service began to provide online cinema opportunities in 2022. Various films, television series, cartoons and TV shows are available for viewing online, both by subscription and for a fee. By paying a certain amount, you get the world's best video content in excellent video and sound quality, which you can watch both on your Smart TV and on smartphones, game consoles and other devices.
Wanting to install an application for watching videos from Kinopoisk called “KinoPoisk HD”, many TV owners encounter certain difficulties. To solve them, we will present below a detailed procedure for installing the Kinopoisk application on your TV.
This may help: how to unlink your card from Kinopoisk.
Best sports apps
(Image credit: ESPN)
ESPN with ESPN Plus
Is a subscription required? Like…
If you're looking to add sports content to your Apple TV and Apple TV 4K, you should probably start with the ESPN app first. While the Apple TV version of the app itself isn't as intuitive as the mobile version, it's still a decent portal for all ESPN commentators and highlights what you'll find on the cable channel. If you want live games, you'll have to subscribe to ESPN Plus, but luckily it's only a few dollars more per month.
(Image credit: WWE)
WWE
Is a subscription required? Yes
For wrestling fans, the WWE Network is probably the best thing you can download from our list. That's more or less everything you can stream wrestling coverage from the last 30 years, as well as recent PayPerView events like SummerSlam. Not only is there a TON of content to explore, but the app's layout makes finding new shows and matches super easy. Woo!
(Image courtesy of Twitch)
Twitch
Is a subscription required? No
For years, Apple TV didn't have a proper Twitch app, leaving esports fans with nothing to do. Luckily, that all changed in 2022 when the world's most popular video game streaming app finally arrived on Apple TV. The idea of watching regular players play something may not be for everyone, but remember that Twitch is also where you'll be able to catch all the superstars online as they practice, and many, if not all, of the biggest esports matches in the world.
(Image courtesy of Ubisoft)
Just Dance Now
Is a subscription required? Like…
You might have thought dance games died out with the Wii and Xbox Kinect, but Apple TV has kept them alive and well with Ubisoft's Just Dance Now, which uses the Apple TV controller with a gyroscope to track your movements. This free version of the game allows you to perform up to two songs per day without having to pay any microtransactions, allowing you to spend about 10 minutes practicing while enjoying today's most popular music.
(Image courtesy of BT Sports)
BT Sport
Is a subscription required? Yes
UK Apple TV owners should check out BT Sport for Champions League coverage. Its channels feature every Champions League match live, and BT Sport offers are available as an add-on to your BT TV package, as well as an add-on to your BT Broadband channel. The bad news is that one of these packages is a must-watch, but it's a small price to pay to watch one of your favorite teams lift the UEFA trophy at the end of the season.
KinoPoisk on another account
If the TV is broken, sold, thrown away, or you simply no longer want to watch the video content of the application, you can unlink it. It’s very easy to create another account, for example, when you buy a new TV. We proceed like this:
- Take the TV remote control.
- Using the arrows, move the cursor to the upper right corner.
- Click on the profile icon.
- Activate the confirmation button.
- Find the user card in it.
- Click on the “Log Out” line.
To activate a new account, you need to link the TV to the application again. You can do this on the same or another device. For the gadget from which the account was unlinked, the same connection algorithm applies. Sometimes such actions are advised by technical support operators if a technical failure occurs.
Best Educational Apps
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Kitchen stories
Is a subscription required? No
The reason Kitchen Stories makes all these best of Apple TV lists is because it's simply beautiful to look at, thanks to its minimalist design and HD tutorial videos. By default, videos are set to autoplay, meaning one recipe flows seamlessly into the next, and soon you've been watching videos on how to poach an egg and make scones within half an hour. Also, we have to say that the bossa nova music in the background is a big plus.
(Image credit: MasterClass)
Master Class
Is a subscription required? Yes
What if you could learn to cook from Gordon Ramsay or learn to write from Stephen King? That's what the Masterclass promises - real classes taught by some of the world's most eminent chefs, writers, thinkers and business leaders. Admittedly, the classes themselves are relatively expensive, but if you compare them to the cost of tuition for a semester, you will be pleasantly surprised at how much information is contained in each of these classes.
(Image credit: Apple)
TED
Is a subscription required? No
The TED app is like college lectures, stripped down to the essential points and delivered in a way that will keep you awake. TED speakers tackle some of the biggest issues facing humanity today with expert precision, incredible wit, and usually a good dose of humor. It's an app you can leave running in the background while you cook or clean, and tune in periodically to hear uplifting news or find a useful item you can use to make the world a better place.
(Image credit: Cheddar)
Cheddar
Is a subscription required? No
While there's no shortage of traditional news networks on Apple TV, Cheddar is part of a new wave of Internet-focused news. This means Cheddar is a little more attuned to what's happening in technology and business than traditional cable networks, while maintaining strong production values and quality research. We still use CNN, NBC and CBS News for serious stories, but Cheddar is a reliable alternative for enthusiasts like us.
(Image credit: Calm)
Calm
Is a subscription required? No
Okay, Calm isn't exactly an educational app, but it does teach you a thing or two about yourself while encouraging you to meditate every day. With guided meditations that teach you how to breathe and relaxation exercises that reduce anxiety, Calm is a great app that's worth your time.
Best games for Apple TV
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Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas
How much does it cost? $7.99 / £7.99 / AU$12.99
Oceanhorn is about as close to a Legend of Zelda game outside of traditional gaming consoles, with puzzles, action, and locations that are very reminiscent of the classic Nintendo franchise. (The intro alone makes it clear that the developers are big fans of the outstanding Super NES series A Link to the Past.) The graphics are fantastic and present a world that promises to stay with you long after your adventure ends.
(Image courtesy of Ubisoft)
Rayman Adventures
How much does it cost? It's free
The side-scrolling version of the Rayman series for Apple TV is just as beautiful as its console cousins, and offers more control than typical iOS auto-platformers: you can swipe left or right on the remote's touchpad to change direction to any time. Even without in-app purchases, there's plenty of fun to be had with multiple level objectives, countless collectibles, and endless charm.
(Image credit: Apple)
Transistor
How much does it cost? $4.99
Like many games on this list, Transistor offers stunning visuals with a unique art style. Both the world and story have a dark, noir-cyberpunk feel, with interesting characters and mysteries to solve. The action features RPG-style strategy and can be controlled using the Touch Bar on the new Apple TV remote or the MFi Gamepad. Buy a game on Apple TV and you'll also get it on iPhone and iPad, and your saves will be streamed across all platforms via the cloud.
(Image courtesy of Gameloft)
Asphalt 8: In the Air
How much does it cost? It's free
If you're looking for a Need for Speed arcade racing experience that puts Apple TV to the test, look no further than Gameloft's Asphalt series. This freemium racer has all the glory of big-budget AAA games, but broken down into bite-sized chunks that can be completed in a few minutes. The game looks great on Apple TV and is worth downloading for free.
(Image credit: Apple)
Crossy Road
How much does it cost? It's free
Crossy Road takes the endless runner franchise and adds a Frogger twist and plenty of stylized cartoon flair to it. This free-to-play game puts you in control of a chicken (or unicorn, duck, crab, whale, phone booth, game designer, Loch Ness monster, etc.) and gives you a simple task - cross the street without getting killed. The trick here is that the street is more like a superhighway, with occasional high-speed trains running through it, and it never ends. However, it's fun to see how far you can go before you meet your inevitable demise.
Samsung, LG, Android TV
- Log into the app on your TV.
- A code for linking the device to your account will appear in the window that opens.
- Using your phone, tablet, laptop or computer, go to the official website of the cinema.
- Log in to your account, if you don’t have one, first register and create a personal account by entering your phone number, email, username and password.
- Go to the page where the device will be linked. If you are using a PC, to go, enter the address https://www.kinopoisk.ru/code/ into the search bar of your browser. If you use a smartphone, use QR code reading.
- When you go to the linking page, enter the code that is shown on the TV. The application will launch on the TV automatically.
Best Apple Arcade games on Apple TV
(Image courtesy of Cornfox & Brothers Ltd)
Oceanhorn 2
How much does it cost? It's free with an Apple Arcade subscription
If the original Oceanhorn is like A Link to the Past, then Oceanhorn 2 is its big brother Breath of the Wild. The sequel to one of the best Apple TV games opens up the world a little more, allowing you to stretch your legs and the Apple TV's graphical capabilities for a beautiful, wild ride. Want more Zelda experiences? Use an Xbox One, PS4 or MFi controller for a truly high-quality console experience.
(Image credit: Apple)
Cross Road Castle
How much does it cost? It's free with an Apple Arcade subscription
The latest and greatest game to join Apple Arcade's roster of games is Crossy Road Castle, a light-hearted multiplayer platformer set in a procedurally generated castle. The game is similar in spirit to the original Crossy Road in that it's mostly about getting as far as you can while laughing, rather than getting to the end of the castle. The multiplayer component allows up to four players to interact locally, which certainly adds to the fun of it all.
(Image credit: Apple)
Butter Royal
How much does it cost? It's free with an Apple Arcade subscription
If you have little ones, you've no doubt heard of Fortnite, the biggest battle royale game on the planet, where 100 players battle each other in a large, open arena. This game is great for gamers of a certain age, but for little ones, even Fortnite may seem like overkill. For this crowd, there's Butter Royale, a battle royale food game that replaces submachine guns with croissants and ketchup bottles. It keeps all the core principles of what makes Battle Royale games great, but puts it in a PG-rated package for everyone to enjoy.
(Image credit: Apple/Bandai Namco)
Pac-Man Party Royale.
How much does it cost? It's free with an Apple Arcade subscription
When talking about Battle Royale games, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention Pac-Man Party Royale, a battle mode based on the arcade classic that delivers a really good multiplayer experience. The goal is simply to become the last Pac-Person standing by eating rival players like Super Pellet or pitting them against ghosts. This is a brilliant twist on an old school classic.
(Image credit: Annapurna Interactive)
Sayonara Wild Hearts
How much does it cost? It's free with an Apple Arcade subscription
Sayonara Wild Hearts is a rhythm game that takes Rez's cues and mixes them with a pop album instead of techno tracks. You travel along a 3D track, collecting items to score points and periodically tapping different parts of the screen for QTE boss battles. The visuals are simply beautiful and the music is some of the best in any mobile game. Sure, you can play it on your phone, but this game is truly made for a controller.
