Apple TV App Now Supports Google Cast, Reversing Trend

In a move that bucks recent trends, Apple has updated its Apple TV app for Android to include Google Cast support. This addition arrives after the app's initial launch on the Google Play Store in early 2025, which lacked this key streaming capability.

With version 2.2 of the Apple TV app, Android users can now easily cast content to smart TVs and displays. The Google Cast integration features both a miniplayer and a full-screen user interface during streaming.

The Apple TV platform has gained popularity beyond the Apple ecosystem thanks to shows like Severance, Pluribus, and Ted Lasso. In February, Apple launched an Android app, allowing users to subscribe to Apple TV or the MLS Season Pass through Google Play Billing. While the app mirrored many iOS features, Google Cast support was notably absent – until now.

The updated app displays a persistent Cast button next to the Apple TV account bubble on the homepage. Tapping this button reveals nearby Google Cast devices, including Nest Hubs and Chromecast devices. Users retain control over volume, playback, timeline scrubbing, language preferences, and closed captions while casting. The miniplayer includes a playback timeline, a 10-second rewind button, and a playback control. Tapping the miniplayer expands the view to a full-screen interface with additional options.

Both the miniplayer and the full-screen Google Cast interface clearly display the name of the device currently receiving the cast, which is useful for homes with multiple Cast-enabled screens.

This update is arguably the most significant since the Android app's debut almost a year ago. A previous update introduced new episode notifications. The original release included offline downloads, search functionality, and a Continue Watching queue.

Apple's decision to embrace Google Cast comes as other streaming services, like Netflix, are scaling back casting support.