Yes, Apple TV on LG is supported on many webOS models, and older sets can still watch via a streaming device or AirPlay.
Here’s the short version before we go deep: recent LG smart screens include a native Apple TV app in the LG Content Store, while some older models can stream the same shows and films through an Apple TV 4K box, a Roku or Fire TV stick, or by casting from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac with AirPlay 2. Below you’ll find a clear breakdown of which years are covered, how to install the app, and the best fallback paths if your exact set misses out.
Apple TV On LG Televisions: Supported Years And WebOS Versions
LG tied native support to webOS generations. That means capability maps closely to the TV’s model year. The Apple TV app arrived on newer LG lines first, then rolled back to select earlier series. LG’s own help pages state that Apple TV+ runs on select 2018 models and later that ship with webOS 4.0 or newer. Sets from 2016–2017 may still launch the app in certain regions, yet coverage isn’t universal, so plan for a fallback if your store listing doesn’t appear.
| LG Model Year | webOS Version | Native Apple TV App |
|---|---|---|
| 2024–2025 | webOS 24–25 | Yes; preinstalled or in LG Content Store |
| 2021–2023 | webOS 6–23 | Yes; install from LG Content Store |
| 2019–2020 | webOS 4.5–5 | Yes; install from store in most regions |
| 2018 | webOS 4.0 | Yes on select series |
| 2016–2017 | webOS 3.x | No consistent listing; use AirPlay 2 (where supported) or a streaming device |
Why the split by year? LG doesn’t upgrade older models to new major webOS generations, so app support follows the shipped software.
How To Check Your LG TV And Install The App
Find The TV’s Model Year And WebOS Build
Open Settings > All Settings > Support > TV Information. You’ll see the model code and the webOS version. Match that against the table above to set expectations.
Search The LG Content Store
Press the remote’s Home key, open the LG Content Store, then search for “Apple TV”. If installed, it appears on the Home row; if not, select the listing and choose Install. On recent sets the app may ship preloaded; opening it from the Home dashboard is enough.
Sign In And Turn On Purchases
Launch the app, select the profile icon, and sign in with the Apple ID used for your purchases. The app supports subscriptions, rentals, and purchases directly on LG screens. If you maintain a family group on Apple devices, eligible entitlements appear after sign-in.
Need a reference while you set things up? Apple’s official guide for smart TVs and streaming devices covers install steps and the reset option inside the app. Follow the instructions in Apple’s setup page to double-check menus and wording on your screen.
What You Can Watch Inside The App
You’ll get the Apple TV+ service, MLS Season Pass, Friday Night Baseball when in season, your Library purchases and rentals, and partner Channels where supported. The interface merges these into one feed with tabs for Up Next, Search, Store, and Library. Streaming quality scales to your network bandwidth and the title’s format.
When The App Doesn’t Show Up
If the store search returns nothing, one of three things is usually going on: the TV is an older series without official support, the region’s app catalog doesn’t include it yet, or the firmware is overdue for an update. Start with a software refresh in Settings > Support > Software Update, then power-cycle the set. If the listing still isn’t present, use a fallback from the section below. You can confirm eligibility in LG’s help note for Apple TV+, which lists support for select 2018 webOS 4.0 models and newer; see LG’s guidance.
Ways To Watch Without The Built-In App
Plenty of paths deliver the same shows even when your TV model lacks a native listing. Pick what matches your budget and gadgets at home.
Use A Streaming Box Or Stick
An Apple TV 4K gives the smoothest experience, tight AirPlay handoff, private listening with AirPods, match frame rate and dynamic range, and the most stable app updates. Roku and Fire TV devices also run the Apple TV app well and cost less. Plug the device into an open HDMI port, switch inputs, install Apple TV, and sign in.
Cast With AirPlay 2
Many LG models from 2018 onward include AirPlay 2. That lets you mirror or beam from iPhone, iPad, or Mac straight to the big screen. Open Control Center, tap the AirPlay tile, pick the TV, and start playback. If your set lacks AirPlay 2, an Apple TV 4K adds it to any HDMI input.
Picture And Sound Tips For The Best Stream
Network Basics
Use wired Ethernet where possible, or park the TV near the router on 5 GHz Wi-Fi. An unstable link causes buffering and audio dropouts. If several devices compete on the same band, move the TV to a less crowded channel in the router settings.
HDMI Settings That Matter
When using a streaming box, set the TV’s HDMI port to Enhanced or Ultra HD Deep Color. On Apple TV 4K, turn on Match Dynamic Range and Match Frame Rate for accurate tone mapping and smooth motion. Use high-speed certified cables for long runs.
OLED And QNED Presets
Start with the Cinema or Filmmaker Mode picture preset, then nudge OLED Light or Backlight to taste. Keep motion smoothing low for films. For sound, try the TV’s AI Sound mode or route audio through eARC to a receiver or soundbar.
HDR And Audio Formats
Most recent LG OLED and QNED sets support HDR10 and Dolby Vision. If a title forces an odd color cast, try switching dynamic tone mapping off. For audio, pass Dolby Atmos through eARC to a capable bar or AVR. Set audio output to Passthrough and enable Auto on HDMI input audio formats.
Troubleshooting When Streaming Misbehaves
App Opens But Playback Fails
Update the TV firmware, then update the app. Sign out and back in. If the app still stalls, reset it from its Settings menu, then relaunch. Power-cycle the router and TV. If a specific title fails, test another title to isolate the issue.
Audio But No Picture
Set the streaming device to an output your TV supports. Switch from Dolby Vision to HDR10 or SDR as a test. Replace suspect HDMI cables. On LG sets, turning off Instant Game Response on that input can help with unusual handshakes.
AirPlay Stutters
Move the phone or laptop closer, pause heavy downloads, and reboot the router. For long films, AirPlay Mirroring taxes Wi-Fi more than a native app; a hardware streamer is the steadier option for marathon viewing.
Regional Availability And Account Notes
Some countries offer a different app edition that carries only TV+, while others include the Store and Channels. If your Apple ID country doesn’t match the TV’s region settings, storefront differences can hide purchases. Align the TV’s region with your Apple ID country in System settings, then relaunch the app and refresh the Library tab.
Pros And Trade-Offs Of Each Path
| Method | What You Need | Perks & Trade-Offs |
|---|---|---|
| Native App | Compatible LG model; Internet | Simple and tidy; depends on LG’s app updates |
| Apple TV 4K | Streaming box; HDMI; power | Fast, stable, best features; extra cost and remote |
| Roku/Fire TV | Stick or box; HDMI; power | Low entry price; fewer Apple-only perks |
| AirPlay 2 | iPhone/iPad/Mac; same Wi-Fi | No extra hardware; relies on Wi-Fi stability |
Choose what fits your room, budget, and habits.
Care And Maintenance Tips
Update Rhythm
Check for TV updates monthly. LG also runs a webOS Re:New program that brings newer software to select models across multiple years, so fresh features can arrive long after purchase.
Storage And App Housekeeping
Delete rarely used apps to free memory. Keep at least 1–2 GB free so streaming apps have room for caches and updates. If the interface slows, clear the cache in the app’s settings and reboot the TV.
Privacy And Purchases
Set a PIN for in-app purchases inside the Apple TV app and inside the streaming box. Turn on two-factor authentication for the Apple ID. If you change hands with the TV, sign out of the app, reset it from its menu, and run a full TV reset for a clean start.
Quick Answers To Common Scenarios
My 2017 LG Screen Shows No Listing
That generation shipped with webOS 3.x. It often lacks the native app. Use an Apple TV 4K or another streamer, or cast with AirPlay if your model supports it.
The App Shows But Purchases Are Missing
Confirm the Apple ID matches the account that owns the titles. Switch the TV’s region to your Apple ID country, then refresh the Library tab. Family Sharing content appears after sign-in if eligible under that label.
I Want Dolby Vision And Atmos
Pair a compatible LG OLED or QNED with a streamer that supports both formats. Use eARC for soundbars and receivers. On Apple TV 4K, turn on Match settings to avoid forced tone mapping.
Bottom Line: Picking The Best Route
The built-in app on recent LG models keeps things simple and works well for most homes. When the store listing isn’t present or the interface feels dated, a compact streaming box restores the full feature set in minutes, and AirPlay 2 remains a handy backup for quick casting from a phone or laptop.
Sources: See Apple’s setup guide for the smart TV app and LG’s help note showing Apple TV+ support on select 2018 webOS 4.0 models and newer.