Yes, the Apple TV app exists on many Samsung Smart TVs from 2018 onward; older sets can use AirPlay 2 or a streaming device.
The big question is simple: will your Samsung screen run the Apple TV app natively? In many living rooms, the answer is a clear yes. Samsung began shipping models with the app in 2018, and it now shows up on a long list of QLED, UHD, Lifestyle sets, and select projectors. If your set predates that shift, you still have easy routes to watch Apple TV+ and your iTunes purchases with AirPlay 2 casting or a small streaming box.
Apple Tv App On Samsung Tvs: Models And Regions
Support hinges on model year and series. Samsung rolled out the app across premium and mid-range lines, while older hardware stayed out. Availability can also vary by country, so a model sold in one market might have the app while the same chassis in another region ships without it. The fastest way to confirm is to search the Apps section on your TV. If you can’t see it there, your model likely isn’t supported in that region.
Quick Compatibility Snapshot
Use this broad overview to set expectations. Specific model codes may differ by region, but the year/series pattern holds up well.
| Samsung Series/Category | Typical Years | Apple TV App |
|---|---|---|
| QLED 8K (Q9/QN9 series) | 2019–2024 | Yes on select models |
| QLED 4K (Q9/Q8/Q7/Qx series) | 2017–2024 | Yes on select models |
| UHD 8/7/6 series | 2017–2024 | Yes on select models |
| The Frame | 2017–2024 | Yes on select models |
| The Serif | 2019–2024 | Yes on select models |
| The Sero | 2019–2021 | Yes on select models |
| The Premiere / The Freestyle | 2021–2024 | Yes on select models |
| Full HD/HD 5/4 series | 2017–2020 | Yes on select models |
| Models from 2016 or earlier | 2016 and older | No native app |
This pattern aligns with Apple’s public device list and Samsung’s guidance, noting that exact lineups shift across years and regions. If the icon doesn’t appear in your Apps section, your set likely isn’t eligible in that market.
How To Check Your Tv’s Status In Seconds
Method 1: Look In The Apps Section
Press Home on the remote, open Apps, and search for “Apple TV.” If the icon appears, install or open it. If it never shows up in search results, your model or region likely doesn’t support a native install.
Method 2: Verify Model Year
On the TV, go to Settings > Support > About This TV. Note the model code and year. Models from 2018 onward often include the app, while 2016 and earlier models do not. Retail sub-variants can differ by market, so treat this as a strong clue rather than a guarantee.
Method 3: Cross-check With Official Pages
Apple maintains a living list of supported devices, and Samsung keeps setup pages with current tips. When you see model years and series align across both sources, you can feel confident you’re set. For deeper detail, see Apple’s page “Get the Apple TV app or Apple TV+ app” and Samsung’s guide “Use the Apple TV app on Samsung TVs.”
What If Your Tv Doesn’t Have The App?
No stress. You have three easy routes that deliver the same shows and movies with minimal fuss.
Route A: Cast With Airplay 2
Many Samsung models from 2018 onward include AirPlay 2. That lets you open the Apple TV app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac and send the video to the TV. Look for the AirPlay icon while a video is playing. If the TV prompts you to enable AirPlay, follow the on-screen steps once, then cast freely from then on.
Route B: Plug In A Small Streaming Box
Any current Apple TV 4K, Roku, Fire TV, or Google TV device will run the app smoothly. If your TV is from 2016 or earlier, this route is usually the quickest upgrade. Plug it into an HDMI port, connect to Wi-Fi, install or open the app, and sign in.
Route C: Upgrade The Tv’s Firmware
On rare occasions the icon appears only after a software update. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update and run the latest version. Reboot the TV, then search the Apps section again.
Regional Notes And Service Variations
The app’s presence depends on local licensing and store availability. Some regions ship the TV with the icon ready to install, while others don’t show it at all. Apple’s media service availability page outlines where purchases, rentals, and subscriptions are supported by store. If your billing country or IP geolocation doesn’t match, the app may hide or certain features may be missing. A quick sign-out and sign-in on the TV can resolve mismatches after a move or a trip.
Install And Sign In: A Clear Walkthrough
Step 1: Open The Apps Store
Press Home, choose Apps, and search for “Apple TV.” If results show both “Apple TV” and “Apple TV+,” pick “Apple TV” for full access to purchased content and channels.
Step 2: Add To Home
Install the app, then add it to your Home row for quick launches. If space is tight, move lesser-used apps to keep navigation smooth.
Step 3: Sign In
Open the app, select Settings > Accounts, and sign in using your Apple ID. You can type credentials on the TV or scan a QR code and finish sign-in on a phone or laptop.
Step 4: Set Video Preferences
Under Settings, set your preferred resolution and match-frame-rate behavior. If your TV supports HDR10+ or HLG and the app detects it, shows and movies that carry that metadata will play with the extra range.
When Things Don’t Work: Fast Fixes That Do
The App Is Missing
Search again inside Apps. If it still doesn’t appear, update TV firmware and reboot by pressing and holding the Power button on the remote until the TV restarts. If no change, your model or region likely isn’t supported. Cast with AirPlay 2 or connect a streaming box.
The App Opens But Video Won’t Play
Check your network speed on another device near the TV. Restart the TV, then the router, then the app. Sign out and sign back in. If you use a VPN on the network, disable it for a test. Regional mismatch can block playback even when the icon appears.
Audio Or Sync Looks Off
Turn off motion smoothing on the TV for films. If dialogue lags, set the audio output to TV Speakers for a quick test. For soundbars, use eARC where available and keep firmware current on both devices.
Feature Differences You Might Notice
The Apple TV app on a Samsung set supports Apple TV+, Apple TV channels, purchases and rentals, and your library. Some advanced features depend on the TV or region. Search results and curated rows can differ from those on an Apple TV 4K box. If you want the most consistent interface and the widest feature support across apps, a small HDMI streamer remains the gold standard, even on a compatible TV.
Buying Or Upgrading: Make A Smart Pick
If you’re shopping for a new screen and you care about native streaming, check for the Apple TV app logo on the product page and on the in-store spec card. Look for model families listed in the compatibility snapshot above. Sets from mid-range lines often include the app, while entry lines can vary by region. If you already own a capable panel that lacks the app, pairing it with an external streamer is often cheaper than replacing the screen.
Airplay 2 On Samsung: When Casting Wins
Even with a native app, casting can be convenient. Tap the AirPlay icon on your phone or tablet and pick the TV. It’s useful when guests visit, when your child wants to continue a show that started on an iPad, or when you prefer the phone’s keyboard for search. Many 2018–2024 models support AirPlay 2. If casting fails, turn the TV off and back on, then toggle AirPlay under Settings > General > Apple AirPlay Settings.
Storage Cleanup And App Hygiene
If the TV runs short on app storage, remove seldom-used apps inside Apps > Settings. Keep Apple TV pinned on the Home row for easy access, and group niche apps deeper in the Apps screen. A tidy home row speeds up daily use.
Decision Guide: Your Best Route
Use the grid below to pick a path that fits your setup and time.
| Your Setup | What You Can Do | Best Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung TV from 2018–2024, app visible | Install, sign in, start watching | Use native app |
| Samsung TV from 2018–2024, app missing | Update firmware, reboot, check region | Use AirPlay 2 or add streamer |
| Samsung TV from 2016 or earlier | No native app support | Plug in Apple TV 4K or another streamer |
| Mixed household devices | Keep native app and casting side by side | Use both Apple TV app and AirPlay 2 |
Clear Answers To Common Checks
Does Every Samsung Screen Include The App?
No. Many do, especially from 2018 onward, but not all trims in every region. The Apps section is the final word for your specific unit.
What’s The Difference Between “Apple TV” And “Apple TV+” In Search Results?
“Apple TV” is the full app. It includes Apple TV+, channels, your purchases, and rentals. “Apple TV+” may appear as a tile in some stores that points into the subscription side. Pick the full app if both appear.
Is Casting Lossy?
Cast quality looks excellent on most recent sets and networks. For the most consistent HDR handling and the smoothest app-to-app experience, a dedicated streamer still wins, but day-to-day viewing through AirPlay 2 satisfies many households.
Why Your Answer Might Differ From A Friend’s
Two TVs with the same screen size can ship with different software bundles. Retailers tweak sub-models for certain chains, firmware changes arrive on a staggered schedule, and regional stores vary. That explains why one person sees the app and another doesn’t. The Apps store check remains the fastest way to settle it.
Bottom Line
Plenty of Samsung sets run the Apple TV app natively, especially from 2018 onward. If yours doesn’t, you still have painless options. Cast with AirPlay 2 or connect a compact streamer and you’ll be watching the same shows in minutes.