Hey there! Got a Roku streaming player or Roku-capable smart TV at home? Heard good things about some of the shows and movies streaming on Apple‘s service? Want to know how to get access right on your existing setup? Then you‘ve come to the right place!
In this detailed guide, let me walk you through the exact steps to install, set up and start watching Apple TV Plus exclusives on your Roku device.
We‘ll cover:
- What Apple TV+ offers and why watch on Roku
- Complete installation process from your Roku home screen
- Browsing the exclusive shows, movies and other content
- Tips to improve streaming quality and viewer experience
Let‘s get started!
What is Apple TV+ and Why Stream it on Your Roku?
Launched in 2019, Apple TV+ (or Apple TV Plus) offers exclusive original programming that‘s only available on their streaming platform.
This includes hugely popular series like Ted Lasso, Mythic Quest, Severance as well as award-winning films like CODA, Emancipation and more.
What‘s great for Roku owners is Apple has made this service available beyond just their own Apple TV set-top devices.
You can access and watch all this exciting new content through Apple TV+ channel on your Roku streaming stick, Roku Smart TV or Roku OS.
Why add Apple TV+ to Roku?
Here are some top reasons:
- No Extra Hardware Needed: Don‘t need $100+ Apple TV box to watch their originals anymore
- One Platform: Apple TV+ integrates into your existing Roku ecosystem alongside other channels
- Content Sync: Shows and movie progress syncs across mobile-tablet-streaming automatically
- Share One Account: Family can access through their profile using a single subscription
- Latest Formats: Apple TV+ streams in 4K, HDR with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos audio
Essentially it checks all the convenience boxes!
Okay, with that context set, let me now guide you through the steps…
Step 1: On Roku Home Screen, Access "Streaming Channels"
Once your Roku streaming device or Smart Roku TV is fired up and connected online, we can install the Apple TV application.
Use the left arrow button on your Roku remote to bring up the main side menu, then go to:
Home Screen > Streaming Channels
This is the Roku Channel Store where you can search for and install additional channels or apps onto your Roku OS. This is where we‘ll find Apple TV+.
Use the OK or Select button once you have highlighted the "Streaming Channels" menu option.
Step 2: Search for "Apple TV" Channel
With the Streaming Channels browser now open, use your Roku remote to:
- Navigate to and select the Search Channels box
- Type in "Apple TV"
- Wait for it to auto-suggest the Apple TV app
- Click on the Apple TV+ icon
Take your time entering the name, the search should start providing suggestions. Select the relevant Apple TV+ app.
This will open the Apple TV+ channel page with more details. Almost there!
Step 3: Install Apple TV+ Channel onto Your Roku
On the Apple TV channel page, simply click the "Add Channel" button.
This will install it onto your Roku streaming device or account if you use multiple Roku products.
Wait for the installation notification banner to disappear before moving back to the Roku home screen.
Shouldn‘t take more than a minute even on slower internet speeds of 5 Mbps or so.
Step 4: Launch the Newly Added Apple TV App
Okay! Now that you have successfully installed the Apple TV application on your Roku player, you can launch it and dive right into Apple‘s exciting lineup of shows and movies!
- Use Roku Menu to go Back to Home Screen
- Locate Apple TV icon on home screen apps grid
- Click to Open the Apple TV App
You might need to scroll down to locate it on the grid.
Give it just a moment to load up the initial splash screen and prompts.
Almost there…last step now!
Step 5: Sign In with Your Apple ID
The last part is logging into the app with your Apple account.
If you already have an Apple ID you use on an iPhone, iPad or for iTunes/App Store, enter those same Apple ID email and password credentials:
- Email / Apple ID
- Password
- Sign-In
Don‘t have an account? No worries! Select "Create New Apple ID" during sign up to set one up from scratch.
Most new users can avail a 7-day free trial of Apple TV Plus before deciding whether to continue the $6.99 per month subscription.
Okay you‘re all set! Start watching popular comedies like Ted Lasso or gripping dramas like Severance through the Apple TV app on your Roku device!
I‘ll next give you an overview of what content is available along with some handy streaming tips…
Must-Watch Movies & Shows on Apple TV+
Let‘s explore some highlights of Apple‘s exclusive original programming you can now easily stream through Roku after setting up:
| Show / Movie | Details |
|---|---|
| Ted Lasso | Multiple award-winning fish-out-of-water sports comedy series |
| Severance | Sci-fi thriller series with elite direction and acting pedigree |
| For All Mankind | Imagines Soviets put first man on moon forcing space race escalation |
| CODA | Coming-of-age story about a hearing girl in deaf family. Won Best Picture Oscar. |
| Emancipation | Historical action thriller about enslaved man escaping to join Union army |
| Mythic Quest | Workplace comedy focused on dysfunctional video game development studio |
This is just a tiny sample! Apple is known to offer some of the highest production quality programming out there. Their shows regularly get nominated for top awards each year.
I definitely recommend browsing all genres like comedy, drama, action/adventure, documentaries etc to discover shows perfectly matched to your interests!
Tips to Improve Your Apple TV+ Viewing Experience
You‘ve added the app to Roku and signed up…now let‘s ensure you get the best streaming quality and viewer experience:
- For 4K HDR video, use Roku Ultra or Streaming Stick 4K models if possible
- Connect Roku to internet modem via ethernet cable for fastest and steadiest speeds
- Upgrade internet plan if needed – Apple recommends minimum 25Mbps speeds
- Charge Roku streaming stick before long view sessions to prevent battery drain
- Check accessibility settings like subtitles or Audio Description to enhance viewing
Additionally, the Apple TV platform makes it really convenient to pickup shows seamlessly across devices:
- Start show on Roku at home
- Continue watching on iPhone when traveling
- Airplay stream to iPad before bed
- Progress automatically syncs across all signed-in devices!
Pretty seamless experience all around!
So there you have it! You are now all set to enjoy Apple‘s impressive (and expanding!) library of original movies, shows, documentaries etc. directly on your Roku streaming player.
No need for a dedicated Apple TV box if you currently watch all your TV shows, sports and movies through the Roku ecosystem.
If you found this guide helpful, please share with other Roku users who may want an easy way to access the raved about programming on Apple Plus.
Happy streaming!
