Anime fans now have another way to access their favorite shows. Crunchyroll, the world’s largest dedicated anime streaming service, has launched as a channel within the Apple TV app. The addition marks the first significant new channel to join Apple’s TV app lineup in quite some time, offering a streamlined viewing experience for subscribers.
The integration allows users in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia to subscribe to Crunchyroll directly through the Apple TV app, eliminating the need for a separate app download. This centralized approach aims to simplify access to content and provide a consistent viewing experience across Apple devices, smart TVs, and streaming devices.
A subscription to Crunchyroll through the Apple TV app costs $9.99 per month, following a one-week free trial. The service boasts an extensive library of anime titles, including both simulcasts of current series from Japan and a vast catalog of older favorites. According to a press release, the move is intended to make it easier for anime fans to watch content “wherever they prefer.”
How Apple TV Channels Work and What They Offer
Apple first introduced its ‘Channels’ feature in March 2019, aiming to consolidate streaming subscriptions within a single app. As 9to5Mac reported at the time, the initial rollout included channels like HBO, Showtime, and Starz. While the feature initially gained traction, growth has been slow in recent years.
The appeal of Apple TV Channels lies in its convenience and integration. Subscribers benefit from a unified billing system through their Apple ID, eliminating the need to manage multiple subscriptions and logins. Content purchased through Channels is seamlessly integrated into the Apple TV app’s interface, offering a consistent user experience. Other benefits include the ability to download shows for offline viewing, ad-free playback, and the option to share subscriptions with family members through Family Sharing.
The core advantage for users is simplicity. Instead of juggling multiple apps and accounts, everything is accessible within the familiar Apple TV environment. However, the success of Channels hinges on participation from streaming services, some of whom have preferred to maintain direct relationships with their subscribers and control the full viewing experience.
A Shift in Strategy for Apple TV?
Crunchyroll’s decision to join the Apple TV Channels lineup could signal a shift in strategy for both companies. For Apple, it represents a win in attracting more content providers to the platform, potentially revitalizing the Channels feature. For Crunchyroll, it expands its reach to a wider audience within the Apple ecosystem.
The anime streaming market has become increasingly competitive in recent years, with services like Funimation (now also part of Crunchyroll), Netflix, and Hulu all vying for subscribers. By making its content available through Apple TV Channels, Crunchyroll can tap into Apple’s large user base and potentially attract new viewers who might not have otherwise considered a direct subscription.
Whether Crunchyroll’s addition will spur other streaming services to embrace the Apple TV Channels platform remains to be seen. However, it’s a positive development for consumers seeking a more streamlined and integrated entertainment experience.
Apple has not announced any further channel additions at this time. The company is expected to continue refining the TV app experience and exploring new ways to deliver content to its users. The next major update to the Apple TV app is anticipated alongside the release of iOS 18 later this year.
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