Do you remember when Blockbuster ruled the world and Friday nights meant rows of DVDs? Now, with a few clicks, entire seasons stream straight to our living rooms and no rewinding required.
From Netflix’s dominance to the rise of fitness apps that turn your TV into a personal trainer, the Apple TV has transformed far beyond passive viewing. Let’s just say, if you are still unsure about building a tvOS app, this could be the sign you have been waiting for.
As a visionary leader and tech enthusiast we are diving into the trends shaping Apple TV app development right now- what’s growing, what’s shifting, and where the biggest business opportunities lie.
Think of it like the early days of the App Store- some jumped in, others waited. You will want to be in the first group after reading this.
Let’s get into the details.
Understanding tvOS/Apple TV App Development
With years of experience in the tech industry, I have witnessed how Apple TV app development with tvOS is transforming entertainment and user experiences.
Building apps for tvOS requires designing for the big screen, where focus-based navigation and remote controls change the dynamics of user interaction.
Consider popular apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+, these set the gold standard for immersive experiences in the living room.
At Vrinsoft, we use Swift and Xcode to create robust, high-performance apps, and we employ tvOS simulators to test our applications across different devices.
With tvOS currently powering over 150 million devices, there is a tremendous opportunity for innovation in streaming, gaming, and fitness.
The Latest tvOS/ Apple TV App Development Statistics
How many apps are available on tvOS?
tvOS is one of the most popular platforms for mobile apps, offering a total of 18,096 apps.
How many publishers have released apps on tvOS?
To date, 12,767 app publishers have made apps available on tvOS.
What is the distribution of free versus paid apps on tvOS?
There are 15,910 free apps available on tvOS, while 2,186 apps require a purchase. It is important to note that many free apps may require subscriptions or offer in-app purchases.
How many apps are released on tvOS each day?
On average, 1 new app is released on tvOS each day.
How many apps are released on tvOS each month?
Approximately 54 apps are added to tvOS each month.
What is the average rating of tvOS apps?
Currently, 5,725 tvOS apps have been rated by users, while 12,371 apps have not yet received ratings.
Top tvOS/ Apple TV App Development Trends
I have observed that tvOS and Apple TV app development are rapidly evolving in 2025, creating exciting opportunities for businesses and developers.
Currently, tvOS powers over 150 million devices and holds a 40% market share in the U.S.
The streaming device market, making Apple TV an ideal platform for reaching a diverse range of audiences.
The integration of Apple TV with smart home technologies such as HomeKit, Matter, and Thread means that apps can serve both as entertainment hubs and smart home controllers.
Swift and Swift UI have become the primary technologies for development, replacing Objective-C. These modern programming languages ensure that we create faster, more maintainable, and visually appealing apps.
Apple's emphasis on seamless device interoperability through features like AirPlay, Handoff, and FaceTime enhances cross-device experiences, making them smoother than ever.
Monetization models are diversifying, with hybrid subscription and ad-supported options gaining popularity.
Minimalist design and focus-based navigation are crucial, requiring a user-centric approach to deliver the best lean-back experience.
With the launch of tvOS 18 and Xcode 16, it is essential to stay updated to ensure all new Apple TV apps meet current standards.
The Main Benefits of Apple TV App Development For Businesses
As a tech enthusiast and an innovative leader, I have seen how tvOS and Apple TV app development can transform digital experiences for both brands and users. Here are seven key benefits I’ve observed:
1. Expanding to Apple TV allows you to reach a broader, highly engaged audience.
The user base of Apple TV is growing rapidly, and your app can become a prominent feature in their living rooms.
2. Seamless integration with the broader Apple ecosystem allows users to enjoy a cohesive experience across their iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, boosting user engagement and retention.
3. Apple TV supports high-quality formats, including 4K video, Dolby Vision, and HDR10.
It offers an immersive viewing experience that makes your content truly stand out.
4. The Apple TV App Store offers global distribution, providing your app visibility in over 175 storefronts and unlocking new revenue streams through various monetization options, such as subscriptions and in-app purchases.
5. Features like Siri voice control and support for game controllers create innovative and interactive experiences that users love.
6. With Swift UI and the tvOS SDK, development becomes more efficient; code can be reused across Apple platforms, reducing both time and cost to market.
7. Regular platform updates and robust developer tools allow your app to evolve quickly, keeping pace with user expectations and industry trends.
It's Time To Build an Apple TV App To Scale Your Business
I know how companies pour resources into crowded platforms, only to get lost in the noise. Meanwhile, brands like Peloton turned Apple TV into a fitness hub. Even NBA and TED have turned living rooms into courtside seats and lecture halls.
This is not just about streaming- it is about owning a space that millions interact with every single day.
So, if you are serious about scaling, this isn’t something to brush off. I’m not saying drop everything—but if Apple TV apps are quietly driving engagement for big players, there is a reason. I’ve watched trends long enough to know when something’s not just a blip and this isn’t.
If you’ve made it this far, then you are already thinking in the right direction. Let’s talk. Let’s build something your users actually enjoy using right from their couch.
