In big win for MLS fans, Apple TV launches on Android

A complaint that dates back to the beginning of Apple’s media rights deal with MLS has finally been addressed.

As of Wednesday, users on Android mobile devices can download the Apple TV app from the Google Play Store, unlocking MLS Season Pass for anyone wanting to watch games on an Android phone or tablet.

The Apple TV app is free to download, though users will still need to pay for a monthly subscription to access Apple TV+ content. And, of course, MLS fans wanting to access games will need to purchase an MLS Season Pass subscription.

However, this will also give Android mobile users the ability to watch MLS games that air in front of the Season Pass paywall a convenient way to do so. This season, MLS has emphasized making its product more accessible to fans.

Such changes include debuting a new Sunday Night Soccer package that will be available to anyone with an Apple TV+ subscription, with or without Season Pass. Additionally, MLS is offering free Season Pass subscriptions to all T-Mobile customers, similar to a promotion the league did in 2023. So if you’re an Android user that has T-Mobile as a carrier, you’re doubly in luck.

The league has also struck deals with major pay TV providers including DirecTV and Comcast to include its games in the normal channel guide and purchase MLS Season Pass directly through the cable or satellite systems.

No doubt, the league is thankful for Apple’s move onto the Google Play Store, but likely wishes it would’ve happened sooner.

Per a report in World Soccer Talk, about 40% of consumers in the United States have an Android phone, as well as 70% of consumers globally. Considering that the Apple-MLS deal is global, that’s an incredibly large number of potential subscribers that have been iced out from watching the league until now.

After the league’s shortcomings were laid bare last season, it’s clear MLS is doing all it can to become more available to fans both domestically and abroad.