Apple TV is not built into Roku, but you can watch it on most Roku devices
No, Roku does not have Apple TV built in as a native app the way it has Netflix or Prime Video. However, you can install the Apple TV app on most modern Roku devices—the same app you would use on an iPhone, iPad, or computer. Once installed, you sign in with your Apple ID and watch the same content you would on any other device.
The catch is that not every Roku model supports the Apple TV app. Roku devices made before 2016 generally do not have it. If your Roku is newer than that, the app is usually available in the Roku Channel Store, and installation takes less than a minute.
Key Takeaways
- The Apple TV app works on Roku devices made in 2016 or later, but not on older models.
- You install the app from the Roku Channel Store the same way you would install Netflix or any other streaming app.
- You need an Apple ID and an active Apple TV+ subscription (or a one-time purchase of individual shows or movies) to watch content.
- If your Roku is too old to support the Apple TV app, you can use an external device like an Apple TV box, Fire Stick, or Chromecast to stream to your television.
How to install the Apple TV app on Roku
Open the Roku home screen and navigate to the Roku Channel Store. Search for "Apple TV" in the search bar. When you find the official Apple TV app (published by Apple Inc.), select it and choose "Add Channel." Roku will read and install it, and it will appear on your home screen within seconds.
Once installed, open the app and sign in with your Apple ID. If you have an Apple TV+ subscription, your shows and movies will load automatically. If you do not have a subscription but have purchased individual titles through Apple, those will also appear in your library.
Which Roku models support the Apple TV app
Roku devices from 2016 onward generally support the Apple TV app. This includes Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Ultra, Roku Express, and Roku TV models made in 2016 or later. Roku also released a dedicated Roku Ultra LT model in 2020 that supports the app.
If you own a Roku device from 2015 or earlier, the app will not be available in the Channel Store. Roku's older software platform does not have the capacity to run newer apps. You can check your device's model number and release year in the Settings menu under "System" or "About."
What you need to watch Apple TV on Roku
You need three things: a compatible Roku device, an Apple ID, and either an Apple TV+ subscription or purchased content. An Apple ID is free to create if you do not already have one—you can set one up at appleid.apple.com using an email address and a password.
An Apple TV+ subscription costs money and renews monthly. You can also buy individual movies or TV show seasons through the Apple TV app without a subscription. Once you own a title, you can watch it on any device where you sign in with that Apple ID.
Alternatives if your Roku is too old
If your Roku does not support the Apple TV app, you have several options. The simplest is to use an external streaming device. An Apple TV box (the hardware device, not the app) connects to your television and runs Apple's full operating system. A Fire Stick or Google Chromecast also supports the Apple TV app and cost less than an Apple TV box.
You can also cast or mirror from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to an older Roku if it supports AirPlay, though not all older Roku models do. Check your device's settings to see if AirPlay is listed. If it is not, an external device is your most reliable option.
Troubleshooting common problems
If the Apple TV app does not appear in your Roku Channel Store, first check that your device is connected to the internet and that you are running the latest Roku software. Go to Settings, then System, then System Update to check for updates. Roku sometimes rolls out the Apple TV app in waves, so it may take a few days to appear on your device even if it is compatible.
If you installed the app but cannot sign in, make sure you are using the correct Apple ID and that your password is typed correctly. If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your Apple ID, you may need to approve the sign-in from another device. If the app crashes or freezes, try removing it from your Roku and reinstalling it from the Channel Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Apple TV+ on any Roku TV?
Most Roku TVs made in 2016 or later support the Apple TV app. Roku TV is built into the television itself, so you do not need a separate device. Check your TV's model year in the settings menu. If it is older than 2016, the app will not be available.
Do I need an Apple TV subscription to use the app on Roku?
No. You can use the Apple TV app to watch movies and shows you have purchased, rent new releases, or buy individual titles. An Apple TV+ subscription is only needed if you want to watch shows and movies included in that subscription service.
Will I lose my Apple TV app if I factory reset my Roku?
Yes. A factory reset removes all apps and returns your Roku to its original state. You will need to reinstall the Apple TV app from the Channel Store afterward. Your Apple ID sign-in information will not be saved, so you will need to log in again.
Can I use the same Apple ID on multiple Roku devices?
Yes. You can sign in with the same Apple ID on as many Roku devices as you own. Your purchased content and subscriptions will be available on all of them. However, you can only stream from one device at a time unless you have a family plan.