So you just unboxed a brand new Samsung Neo QLED 8K TV and can’t wait to stream the latest Apple Originals? Or perhaps invested in an older Series 7 set from 2018?
Either way, I’ve got you covered!
In this comprehensive walkthrough, I’ll demonstrate how to access Apple TV app on ANY modern Samsung television model so you can enjoy iTunes movies, Apple TV+ shows and more in just minutes.
We’ll also troubleshoot common issues that crop up and survey alternative streaming devices as needed.
Here’s a roadmap of everything that I’ll cover:
Let‘s get started!
Overview: The Rise of Smart TV Streaming
First, some context on how we arrived at today‘s streaming-centric entertainment era. Just over a decade ago, Samsung televisions relied solely on external media boxes or game consoles to power digital entertainment.
But burgeoning demand for all-in-one setups forced a revolution. And the Tizen operating system answered the call to provide a portal for apps and services.
As Statista data shows below, Samsung rapidly raced ahead to become the #1 smart TV brand globally:
With tens of millions of compatible sets now penetrating households worldwide, Apple too prioritized launching their Apple TV platform directly on 2022+ Samsung television sets.
The Apple TV app conveniently centralizes access to:
- Apple TV+ – Exclusive shows & movies like Ted Lasso, Severance, COPS
- iTunes Store – New release movie/TV show rentals & purchases
- Apple Channels – Premium networks like HBO Max, Showtime, Paramount+
- Apple TV app – Personal media library synchronization across devices
- Apple Arcade – 100+ exclusive iOS games
And much more all within one dashboard!
Next, let‘s cover exactly how to locate, download and start streaming Apple TV on supported Samsung TVs step-by-step.
Step 1: Checking Model Number for Compatibility
Compatibility remains restricted to higher-end Samsung Smart TVs from 2018 forward containing necessary hardware specifications and Tizen software support.
Use the integrated search function to manually look up your television‘s model number from settings. As an example, here is where I located mine on a 2022 Series 8 Neo QLED television:
Then cross-reference your specific model against the official Samsung list of Apple TV app supported devices.
App access and experiences do vary, so certifying ahead of time prevents frustrations. As a general rule of thumb:
- 2022 Sets – Full Apple TV+ capabilities
- 2021 Sets – Mostly feature-complete
- 2020 Sets – Restricted; no TV+ originals
- 2018-2019 Sets – No Apple TV app
Now let‘s proceed to installation steps for compatible models…
Step 2: Downloading and Installing the Apple TV App
With model confirmation done, scroll left on your Samsung remote to highlight the Apps icon while within the main menu. Hit select to launch the app marketplace.
Next choose the search button in top right corner and type in "Apple". Among results appearing, choose "Apple TV" app.
Finally, select to download the app and wait as progress bar fills. Expect roughly 3-5 minutes on newer models or 15-20 minutes on older televisions.
The Apple TV icon will populate alongside other installed apps once complete.
Step 3: Signing Into the Apple TV App
Almost there! Launch the freshly installed application and observe startup load animation…
You‘ll then be greeted by option to Sign In using existing Apple ID credentials or create a brand new account from scratch.
Input your standard Apple email and password used on other devices like iPhones or Mac laptops. This critical authorization immediately unlocks access to subscribed Apple TV channels, purchased iTunes movies and personal media libraries to stream.
Step 4: Start Streaming Apple TV+ Originals & More!
Congratulations! Welcome to the full Apple TV experience accessible now through your Samsung set.
The unified dashboard grants optional access to:
- Premium Apple TV+ drama, comedy and documentary exclusives
- iTunes digital movie/TV show rentals, purchases and pre-orders
- Apple Music songs, albums, music videos
- Over 100 Apple Arcade games playable across devices
- Photos app library and memories in screensaver mode
Feel free to browse personalized recommendations, explore curated collections by themes like "Blockbusters" or launch into Watch Now continuation of recently viewed titles.
Additionally customization awaits within Apple TV settings like managing subscription channels, toggling maturity restrictions and connecting/syncing additional iOS/Mac devices via iCloud.
But that covers core essentials getting started! Now time to kick back and stream.
Troubleshooting: Apple TV App Missing or Non-Functional
Alas, gremlins sneak their way even into the cleanest of smart home set-ups. In the event Apple TV app refuses cooperation on your Samsung TV, first reboot router/modem and television themselves.
Then examine network configurations and re-enter Wi-Fi password within Settings if needed. This forces a fresh Authorization check between devices.
If Apple TV app flashed onto screen previously but issues now persist, uninstall and redo clean download/installation covered earlier. Doing so flushes away any corrupt temporary files.
For televisions entirely incompatible, yet still longing for Apple, skip down to the Alternatives section ahead…
But fear not! Multiple workaround paths exist for legacy sets lacking onboard hardware support. Before exploring those options, let‘s briefly discuss why support divide exists in the first place…
Why Apple TV App Limits Itself to Newer Samsung Sets
Mysteries shroud Apple‘s criteria enabling the Apple TV app across Samsung Smart TVs models and years.
However logical deduction suggests performance benchmarks factor heavily…
Reviewing hardware within Samsung series over the years reveals telling trendlines:
CPU (Processing Power)
- 2022 – Quad-Core Processor
- 2020 – Dual-Core Processor
- 2018 – Single-Core Processor
RAM (Temporary App Memory)
- 2022 – ~16GB
- 2020 – ~4GB
- 2018 – ~2GB
4K-Series Models gaining 120Hz smoothing, HDR enhancements and HDMI 2.1
- 2022 – Yes
- 2020 – No
- 2018 – No
The Apple TV represents resource-intensive application juggling secure DRM authentication, streaming UHD video and downloading constant content updates.
Requirements simply overwhelmed lesser-equipped legacy television sets. But for buyers invested into Samsung ecosystem, all is not lost. Solutions exist!
Now onto examining popular Apple TV app workarounds…
Apple TV Dongles/Boxes Alternatives
Suppose hopes dashed finding native app support missing from your particular Samsung television model.
Well in times like this, external streaming gadgets come to rescue!
Plug-and-play HDMI dongles/boxes act as intermediaries between televisions and Apple broadcasting desired content onto the big screen.
These include:
[Comparison Table here of devices, pricing, pros/cons features]
Having tested the waters with multiple streamers myself, preference lands on 2021 Apple TV 4K model. Yes, pricier at $149 retail but delivers smoothest end-to-end Apple integration including gaming.
HDMI cords connect boxes temporarily or permanently to available television ports. And don‘t forget snaking ethernet for most reliable streams if Wi-Fi prone to instability.
Airplaying From Apple Devices
Savvy Apple household inhabitants almost certainly possess iPhone, iPad or Mac laptop/desktop devices already. And hidden feature native to ecosystem often overlooked?
AirPlay screen mirroring and media streaming over home network!
This workaround eschews cables/boxes relying solely on Wi-Fi signals to broadcast Apple content from origin devices onto bigger screens. Think music, videos, photos, web pages and more.
To enable, simply swipe Control Center on iOS/iPadOS or hit Airplay icon in Mac menu bar to designate receiving Samsung TV. Latency inevitable but void of large purchase makes this most convenient option yet.
Wrapping Up
This sums up exhaustive guide covering myriad angles enabling Apple TV app on Samsung sets – plus workaround alternatives when direct access not possible.
Key highlights:
- Checking model compatibility
- Downloading and installing Apple TV App
- Signing in with Apple ID
- Troubleshooting missing/non-working app
- Alternatives like streaming devices and Airplay
So hopefully empowers bringing Apple Movie rentals, TV+ Originals, Apple Music playlists and more all within your Samsung television experience!
Any other questions come up? Just drop them in comments below. More than happy to help fellow cordcutters make most their streaming investments!
