Google TV App Lets iPhone Serve as a Remote for TVs With Android TV OS - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Google TV App Lets iPhone Serve as a Remote for TVs With Android TV OS

by

Google today announced the launch of a Google TV app that's designed for iOS devices, with the aim of helping iPhone and iPad owners to create watchlists, get content recommendations, rate movies, and more. iOS users previously had access to the Play Movies and TV app, and those who had that installed will see it update automatically to the revamped Google TV app.

google tv ios app
iPhone and ‌iPad‌ users who have a Google TV or another Android TV OS device can use their iOS device as a remote control. Just click on the remote button in the app and then connect to the TV to control the TV with the phone and access Google Assistant. The feature allows users to take advantage of the phone's keyboard for typing in passwords and search terms.

With Google TV, users can input information on the streaming services they subscribe to and get recommendations for shows and movies to watch based on interests and past viewing habits. Shows can be saved to a Watchlist that is able to sync across devices signed into a Google account.

TV shows and movies can be liked or disliked, and using these features affects the recommendation algorithm. A Highlights tab provides a daily news feed of reviews, news, and more about TV shows and movies that will interest each user.

The app supports all movies and shows purchased or rented with a Google account, so the content can be watched on an iPhone or ‌iPad‌ while on the go.

The Google TV app can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Tag: Google

Popular Stories

Google Logo Feature Slack

Google Lowering Play Store Fees and Allowing Alternative Payments Worldwide

Wednesday June 24, 2026 3:30 pm PDT by
As a result of the lawsuit Epic Games filed against Google, Google is making major changes to its Play Store worldwide. Google today said it would soon lower fees and start accepting alternative payment options. App developers will be able to offer payment options other than Google's in-app billing system in the UK, European Economic Area, and United States. Developers can use the billing...
Read Full Article • 75 comments
gemini for mac app google

Google Gemini Spark Comes to Mac With Local File Automation

Wednesday July 1, 2026 9:10 am PDT by
Google today launched Gemini Spark for its macOS desktop app, allowing the AI agent to automate tasks involving local files and desktop workflows. Google announced the update today, adding a dedicated Spark tab to the sidebar of the Gemini app for macOS. The feature allows the AI agent to take action on files stored locally on a user's computer rather than just responding to questions in a...
Read Full Article • 68 comments
google pixel 10 fold 1

Google's Pixel 11 Event Set for August 12, a Month Before Apple Debuts Foldable iPhone

Tuesday July 7, 2026 11:48 am PDT by
Google will introduce its latest Pixel smartphones at an August 12 event, debuting the updated devices about a month ahead of when Apple is expected to announce new iPhone models. Google is expected to launch the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and a new Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Leaked CAD renders suggest the new smartphones will have slimmed down bezels, a slightly thinner design than...
Read Full Article • 37 comments

Top Rated Comments

TouchedByAl Avatar
TouchedByAl
54 months ago
Bought a chromecast on a whim when it came out in 2020. I already had an Apple TV but the reviews gushed about its interface and recommendations. I thought I would give it a shot. The recommendations were good (I know, google) and the interface looked nice but boy it aged fast. The device kept getting slower and Bluetooth never quite worked especially with AirPods. I disconnected it and one of my in laws is using it. Part of me says this feature should’ve been here much sooner but this is Google..
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AirunJae Avatar
AirunJae
53 months ago

That's fair. I have a decent firewall that I could put the TV on a whitelist so I only get basic things, but I think it would break Roku or Google. If I get an Apple TV and have 2 remotes, I may as well throw them out the window because my kids will lose them in 2 minutes ;)

But I think your idea is best.
Get an Elago case for the AppleTV remote off of Amazon and put an AirTag in its compartment. We have a toddler so that's what I did 😆
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Morgenland Avatar
Morgenland
54 months ago

That's fair. I have a decent firewall that I could put the TV on a whitelist so I only get basic things, but I think it would break Roku or Google. If I get an Apple TV and have 2 remotes, I may as well throw them out the window because my kids will lose them in 2 minutes ;)

But I think your idea is best.
As long as your kids aren't throwing iPhones out the window, Apple's Remote App can help.;)

Attachment Image
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jonnysods Avatar
jonnysods
54 months ago

I would assume Roku is similar with data gathering. Pretty much every Smart TV is terrible with regards on this, it's how they make their margins because my understanding is that the margins aren't great on TVs. You can get the Sony, just don't connect it to WiFi and only connect it via ethernet when you need to do a software update. Use an AppleTV for your access to apps and content.
That's fair. I have a decent firewall that I could put the TV on a whitelist so I only get basic things, but I think it would break Roku or Google. If I get an Apple TV and have 2 remotes, I may as well throw them out the window because my kids will lose them in 2 minutes ;)

But I think your idea is best.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AirunJae Avatar
AirunJae
54 months ago

Bought a chromecast on a whim when it came out in 2020. I already had an Apple TV but the reviews gushed about its interface and recommendations. I thought I would give it a shot. The recommendations were good (I know, google) and the interface looked nice but boy it aged fast. The device kept getting slower and Bluetooth never quite worked especially with AirPods. I disconnected it and one of my in laws is using it. Part of me says this feature should’ve been here much sooner but this is Google..
Yeah, when we got rid of cable and went to streaming, I initially gave the GoogleTV a shot. It was super annoying with how quickly it would have to reload apps, which pushed me to pony up and just pay the money for the AppleTV. Still use the Chromecast as a streamer for the bedroom tv, and it's fine for that as we don't use it nearly as much as the living room.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AirunJae Avatar
AirunJae
54 months ago

It's one of the reasons I haven't gotten a new Sony TV, because of Android. I'd rather a Roku version or something.
I would assume Roku is similar with data gathering. Pretty much every Smart TV is terrible with regards on this, it's how they make their margins because my understanding is that the margins aren't great on TVs. You can get the Sony, just don't connect it to WiFi and only connect it via ethernet when you need to do a software update. Use an AppleTV for your access to apps and content.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments