Apple TV's Biggest Missing Feature Coming Soon

Feuds between rival tech titans often hurt users, but the latest bad blood could be over. According to a new report, the Apple TV will finally get an Amazon Prime Video app as soon as this summer.

That's not hell freezing over you're hearing, but the rumor of Amazon Prime Video coming to the Apple TV. Image: Jeremy Lips/Tom's Guide

That's not hell freezing over you're hearing, but the rumor of Amazon Prime Video coming to the Apple TV. Image: Jeremy Lips/Tom's Guide

This rumor is courtesy of BuzzFeed News, which reports that the news will be announced on-stage during Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 5. A different source, one "familiar with the companies' thinking" noted that while the app is expected to go live this summer, that isn't set in stone and could still change.

The addition of the long-missing Amazon Prime service fills a gaping void that forces Apple TV owners to use other streaming boxes to see Prime shows such as Man in the High Castle and Mozart in the Jungle. While Prime Video can be found on many devices, such as Amazon Fire TV sticks, Rokus and gaming consoles such as the Xbox One and PS4, moving that HDMI cable back and forth can get annoying fast.

MORE: Best Streaming Devices: Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV & More

Apple TVs gaining Amazon Prime Video seems to be only the first half of a deal, though, as the report also notes that Amazon will start selling Apple's set-top box again. No word as to the possibility of Amazon and Google burying the hatchet so that the Google Chromecast could also be sold from the online retail giant.

Prime Video might not be the only new service joining the Apple TV family soon. Apple is currently working on its own original content, such as its app development reality show and Carpool Karaoke episodes.

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Henry T. Casey
Managing Editor (Entertainment, Streaming)

Henry is a managing editor at Tom’s Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past seven years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's also covered the wild world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.

  • kinghowser
    i have a dedicated pc hooked to my samsung hdtv. i can do everything i can do with a desktop or laptop on a 65in tv show. so why would i buy a box that's just going to let me load video apps or dressed down video games. the thing is all you do is hook up your hdmi cable from your desk top or laptop or tablet to the tv and you have the full experience.
    Reply
  • henrytcasey
    19681573 said:
    i have a dedicated pc hooked to my samsung hdtv. i can do everything i can do with a desktop or laptop on a 65in tv show. so why would i buy a box that's just going to let me load video apps or dressed down video games. the thing is all you do is hook up your hdmi cable from your desk top or laptop or tablet to the tv and you have the full experience.

    I think the reasoning for those who want a set-top box experience is that they want to use a system that doesn't require a keyboard or mouse, but instead, a remote.
    Reply