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

Wednesday March 8, 2017 6:31 AM PST by Mitchel Broussard
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.


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
26 comments


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Aluminum213
28 months ago
No vudu and Amazon prime

It will never be serious set top box option for millions
Rating: 2 Votes
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earthTOmitchel
28 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.
Rating: 1 Votes
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2010mini
28 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.
Rating: 1 Votes
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malexandria
28 months ago
what's the point of this story? "app is in development, but who knows the release date." thanks for nothing. With that said, putting Vudu on the ATV and adding 4K support would make it my dream box. Considering I have 900 movies on Vudu and 500 on ATV, it drives me crazy that my entire digital collection can't be in one place.
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I stopped using VUDU as my digital copy vault because the Xbox app is so painful to use :confused:


Vudu is available on a vast majority of devices so just because you don't like the App on the XB1 doesn't mean you can't easily access it on something else. It's why Vudu will ALWAYS be my preferred digital service over Apple's crappy walled garden.
Rating: 1 Votes
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vertical smile
28 months ago

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 ('https://www.macrumors.com/2016/06/01/amazon-apple-tv-acceptable-business-terms/').


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.
Rating: 1 Votes
Avatar
earthTOmitchel
28 months ago

Thanks for the update, lack of information has made me think that a VUDU app was never coming. Its the one app I really miss having. I can live without Amazon Video. I have a big UV/VUDU library and my alternative to access it is to boot up the Xbox which is less than ideal.

I stopped using VUDU as my digital copy vault because the Xbox app is so painful to use :confused:
Rating: 1 Votes
Avatar
CaneCollegeboy
28 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.
Rating: 1 Votes
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akuma13
28 months ago
It's not happening. It's been in 'development' for months/years.
Rating: 1 Votes
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Lumpy05
28 months ago
Thanks for the update, lack of information has made me think that a VUDU app was never coming. Its the one app I really miss having. I can live without Amazon Video. I have a big UV/VUDU library and my alternative to access it is to boot up the Xbox which is less than ideal.
Rating: 1 Votes
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BuffaloTF
28 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......
Rating: 1 Votes
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