Unlike Apple TV App on Roku, You Can't Purchase iTunes Movies or Subscribe to Apple TV Channels Directly on Fire TV

This morning, Amazon announced that the Apple TV App was now available on some Fire TV devices. Unlike the app that launched on Roku devices last week, it’s not quite as full featured, as it doesn’t let you purchase movies or subscribe to premium services like HBO.

On the Apple TV App on Roku and Apple TV devices, customers can purchase or rent movies from iTunes, as well as subscribe to Apple TV Channels like HBO, Showtime, and STARZ. On the Fire TV version, while you can watch your purchases, rentals, and subscriptions, you have to make the actual purchase on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV device. This will also be the case for Apple TV+ when it launches on November 1st, which will can’t be subscribed to directly from your Fire TV device.

When you go to make a purchase, you get a message: “In-app purchases aren’t allowed on this device. To watch here, you must have purchased or rented this movie or episode on an Apple device.” This isn’t that surprising. Apple and Amazon have had a long-term dispute about selling their content on the iOS platform.

Apple hasn’t allowed Amazon to sell eBooks or movies in their apps without paying the 30% “tax” on purchases. Since Amazon already has a successful business with Amazon Prime Video Channels, it’s not surprising that they would enforce a similar policy on Apple.

On Roku devices though, the TV App allows you to sign-up for premium subscriptions like HBO using your Apple ID instead of going through Roku’s own premium subscription service. It wouldn’t be surprising if Roku gets a cut of subscriptions through the Apple TV Channels, but neither company have confirmed a financial arrangement.

Offer Terms

Only valid for new DIRECTV STREAM subscribers.
Only valid once per household.
You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
Purchase must be completed on the DIRECTV STREAM website.
You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.

Offer Terms

Only valid for new Sling TV subscribers to Sling Orange, Blue, or Sling Orange + Blue.
Only valid once per household.
You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Sling TV website.
You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.

Offer Terms

Only valid for new Hulu Live TV subscribers.
Only valid once per household.
You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Hulu Live TV website.
You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.

Unlike Apple TV App on Roku, You Can’t Purchase iTunes Movies or Subscribe to Apple TV Channels Directly on Fire TV

DIRECTV STREAM Cash Back

Offer Terms

Sling TV Cash Back

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Hulu Live TV Cash Back

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