VUDU Confirms Apple TV App in Development, But Release Date Unknown - MacRumors
Skip to Content

VUDU Confirms Apple TV App in Development, But Release Date Unknown

by

Streaming movie and TV service VUDU has confirmed that it is currently in the development stages for an upcoming fourth-generation Apple TV app, although the official launch timeline is unclear at this point. A Redditor spotted the confirmation from a VUDU engineer named Jake, who posted on the company's forums in response to a user's inquiry about the long-requested debut of a VUDU app for Apple TV.

In a separate thread dating back about a year ago, the same engineer explained the reasoning behind VUDU not prioritizing an Apple TV app. He mentioned that due to Apple's strict policies preventing third-parties from selling movies in their apps, VUDU has instead focused on adding HD AirPlay streaming into its iOS app so users can use the company's mobile app to stream all of their content to Apple TV. It's believed that the same restriction has prevented Amazon from debuting Amazon Prime Video on Apple TV.

vudo on apple tv

Forum member: Any chance of an AppleTV app being planned?
VUDU engineer: Yes, it's in development. No, please don't ask me for a date, I don't know

With VUDU's Apple TV app confirmed to be in development, it's likely that the company will use the same tactic that it took with the VUDU iOS app [Direct Link] in finding a way to abide by Apple's policy while still offering the crux of its services. On mobile, users can watch and download all of the movies and TV shows they want, as long as they complete the transactions on VUDU's website first.

While that's a hindrance for VUDU iOS users, it could work the same way for Apple TV watchers. Besides purchasing and renting movies and TV shows, VUDU acts as a storage vault for digital copies of films purchased in retail locations, if users choose VUDU as a storage space over other options such as iTunes.

For the Apple TV itself, Apple is rumored to be working on an updated 4K version of the device for potential release before the end of 2017.

Tag: VUDU

Top Rated Comments

Aluminum213 Avatar
122 months ago
No vudu and Amazon prime

It will never be serious set top box option for millions
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
earthTOmitchel Avatar
122 months ago
So perhaps you should chose another platform. Don't really understand the point of your post.
My other platform was Apple TV, which VUDU isn't on.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
122 months ago
This would be huge... Vudu has been my de facto UV service all along due to the disc-to-digital program (and available HD upgrade)... it'd be great if they could use the Apple TV to improve the UX on their service too... it has never been a pretty one. Ultimately, I yearn for a service that gives you the front end of iTunes movies, which operates just like a disc with a title screen... of course, that need could be answered by Apple simply joining in on UV......
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
akuma13 Avatar
122 months ago
It's not happening. It's been in 'development' for months/years.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
122 months ago
Apple does not forbid in-app purchases. Such things come with a percentage fee. There are other video content services on ATV with in-app purchasing..... Ultraflix for example. Vudu and Amazon just wants what they would never do for Apple: get free access to Apple's user base for free.
Then why is their no Flixster app? That app acts like a de facto UV library. You don't really purchase things from Flixster but it is used to redeem UV movies so....

A VUDU app would be welcomed with open arms.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
122 months ago
I guess I understand Apple's POV on this, but this restriction, along with other restrictions that Apple has had on the ATV4 in the past basically neuters what could be a great device.

For the ATV4, there are a lot cheaper options out there that have stuff like Amazon video. The ATV3 is a lot cheaper, and the apps that are on there are much better than the ATV4 versions imo. At the price, the ATV4 has not been worth it so far.

I have loved my ATVs, but I am thinking about trying something else.
Apple does not forbid in-app purchases. Such things come with a percentage fee. There are other video content services on ATV with in-app purchasing..... Ultraflix for example. Vudu and Amazon just wants what they would never do for Apple: get free access to Apple's user base for free.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iCloud iPhone 17 Pro

iPhone Users Who Pay for iCloud Storage Get Two New Perks on iOS 27

Thursday July 2, 2026 6:10 am PDT by
If you pay for certain iCloud+ storage plans beyond the 5GB that Apple offers for free, you will receive two more perks on iOS 27 at no additional cost. A summary of the two new iCloud+ perks on iOS 27:Increased daily usage limits for some new Apple Intelligence features, including image generation in the revamped Image Playground app. HomeKit Secure Video cameras receive generated video...
American Express Gold Apple Pay Feature

American Express Announces New Apple Pay Feature

Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:27 am PDT by
American Express today announced that you can now redeem Membership Rewards points when checking out with Apple Pay on the web and in apps on the iPhone and iPad. When checking out with Apple Pay on iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 or later, tap on your eligible American Express card (Platinum, Gold, Green, and others) and select the Membership Rewards points option. You can use points to cover all or...
series 10 apple watch titanium digital crown

Report: Apple Watch Redesign Coming Next Year With New Band System

Tuesday June 30, 2026 8:45 am PDT by
A "major overhaul" of the Apple Watch's design is due to arrive next year with a new system for connecting bands, according to a known Weibo leaker. In a set of recent posts, the leaker known as "Instant Digital" linked the new claim to older rumors about an "Apple Watch X" model, which was said to introduce a fresh design and break compatibility with the existing watch band system. Citing...