Apple has released updates for its Apple TV and Apple Music applications on Android, bringing home screen widget functionality to both platforms. These updates allow users to access content directly from their device’s home screen, marking a shift toward greater integration with the Android ecosystem.
Apple TV Integration for Android Home Screens
The Apple TV app for Android (version 2.5) introduces three distinct widget sizes designed to mirror the “Continue Watching” carousel found within the app’s main interface.
- Small Widget: Displays a single movie or episode.
- Medium Widget: Offers a slightly larger view of the current queue.
- Large Widget: Provides the most detailed view, featuring large artwork for the primary item and a scrollable list of additional content.
This update brings the Android version into closer feature parity with the iOS experience, where similar widgets have been available to users for some time.
Apple Music Updates and WhatsApp Sharing
Apple Music has also received a significant update, moving to version 6.5. This release focuses on expanding the utility of the app’s widget library and enhancing social sharing capabilities.
The update introduces two new widgets:
- Pins: Designed for quick access to a user’s pinned content.
- Live Radio: Allows users to initiate playback of live stations without needing to navigate through the app’s dedicated radio tab.
These new additions complement the existing suite of widgets, which include "Now Playing," "Recently Played," "Recommendations," and "Top Charts." Beyond interface changes, the version 6.5 update includes a functional expansion for social media users: the ability to share songs, albums, playlists, and lyrics directly to WhatsApp.
Context and Versioning
The jump from version 5.2 to 6.5 in the Apple Music app suggests an effort by Apple to align its Android version numbering more closely with the iOS releases. As of the latest update, the iOS version of Apple Music is currently at 26.5.
These updates are currently available via the Google Play Store.