Getting Apple TV on a Roku device is a common question, and the answer depends on what you mean by "having" Apple TV. While you cannot install the Apple TV app as a native channel on older Roku models, there are several effective workarounds that bring the Apple TV experience to your television. This guide will walk you through the options, from screen mirroring to using compatible streaming devices, ensuring you can enjoy Apple TV+ and other Apple content on your existing setup.
Understanding the Limitations of Native Apple TV on Roku
The first thing to understand is that Apple does not offer the Apple TV app as a downloadable channel on the Roku Channel Store. This is due to the ongoing competition between Apple and Roku in the streaming device market. Unlike apps for services like Netflix or Hulu, which are available on almost every platform, Apple restricts its primary app to its own hardware and selected smart TVs. Therefore, if you are looking for a dedicated Apple TV app icon on your Roku home screen, you will not find one built into the system software.
Solution 1: Screen Mirroring from an iOS Device or Mac
The most direct method to get Apple TV content on your Roku TV is to use screen mirroring. This technique casts the screen of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac directly onto your Roku device, allowing you to use the Apple TV app exactly as you would on an Apple TV unit. The process requires both your mobile device or computer and your Roku to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, ensuring a stable and synchronized connection.
How to Set Up Screen Mirroring
On iPhone or iPad: Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top right corner, tap the Screen Mirroring icon, and select your Roku TV from the list.
On a Mac: Click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar (usually found in the upper right corner) and choose your Roku TV from the dropdown menu.
Within the Apple TV App: Once the mirroring session is active, open the Apple TV app on your device and play your content. The video will output through your Roku TV speakers.
Solution 2: Using a Compatible Streaming Device as a Bridge
A more permanent and user-friendly solution is to introduce a secondary streaming device to your setup. By connecting a device like an Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, or even an Android TV box to an available HDMI port, you can run the Apple TV app natively on that device. Your Roku then acts as the primary interface for all your other streaming services, effectively turning your television into a multi-system hub.
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Solution 3: Using AirPlay 2 (For Compatible Roku Models)
If you own a newer Roku model that supports AirPlay 2—such as the Roku Ultra or certain 4K models—you have a built-in option that does not require screen mirroring. AirPlay 2 allows you to stream video and audio from your Apple devices directly to your TV with low latency and high quality. This method is cleaner than mirroring your entire screen because it only streams the video from the Apple TV app.
