Spotify just launched a completely redesigned Apple TV app that finally brings video podcasts and music videos to the big screen. The update addresses years of user complaints about the platform's lackluster tvOS experience and puts it on par with Google TV's feature set. For Spotify's 500+ million users, this means your living room just became a lot more entertaining.
Spotify is finally giving Apple TV users what they've been demanding for years - a streaming app that doesn't make you want to throw your remote at the screen. The music giant rolled out a completely rebuilt tvOS app that brings video podcasts and music videos to your living room, marking the biggest upgrade to Spotify's TV experience since the platform launched on Apple TV.
The timing couldn't be better. While Apple continues pushing its own streaming services and Netflix dominates video content, Spotify is carving out its own multimedia niche. The company says it rebuilt the app "from the ground up for a faster, smarter, more visual experience" - a not-so-subtle admission that the old version was pretty rough around the edges.
Users have been vocal about their frustrations. Reddit threads and tech forums have been filled with complaints about everything from clunky navigation to missing features that Google TV users have enjoyed for months. One particularly pointed Reddit post called the old Spotify Apple TV app "crap compared to" other platforms, highlighting the gap between Spotify's mobile excellence and its TV shortcomings.
The rollout is happening in waves. Some users got early access over the past few days, but everyone can now download the update through Apple's App Store. If you're using automatic updates, expect the new experience by mid-November - just in time for holiday streaming sessions.
Here's where it gets interesting for content creators and podcast fans: video podcasts work seamlessly with speed controls, letting you binge your favorite shows at 1.5x or slow down complex discussions. This comes right as Spotify announced a major partnership with Netflix and The Ringer to bring 16 video podcast series to the streaming platform starting in 2026, including The Bill Simmons Podcast and shows covering NFL, NBA, Fantasy Football, and F1.
Music videos are rolling out globally but with a catch - they're not available in the US or Canada yet. The feature has already expanded to 97 markets worldwide, though with a limited catalog exclusively for Spotify Premium subscribers. When available, you'll see a "switch to video" prompt when listening to songs that have accompanying visuals in Spotify's catalog.
The update also brings mobile app parity features that should have been there from day one: queue management, seamless playback between devices, song lyrics for karaoke nights, and access to Spotify DJ. The AI-powered DJ feature uses machine learning to recommend what to play next based on your listening habits - a subtle but important AI integration that shows how streaming platforms are weaving intelligence into every interaction.
Spotify Connect integration means you can control Apple TV playback directly from your smartphone or tablet, turning your mobile device into a sophisticated remote. This addresses one of the biggest pain points with TV streaming apps - typing and navigation with Apple TV's standard remote.
The competitive implications are significant. While Apple Music has deep integration with Apple TV hardware, Spotify is betting that superior content variety and cross-platform features will win over users. The video podcast push puts pressure on Apple Podcasts and YouTube, while music video integration challenges Apple Music's own visual content strategy.
This Apple TV update represents Spotify's broader strategy to own multimedia entertainment beyond just music streaming. By finally delivering video content and mobile app features that users expected years ago, Spotify is positioning itself as a comprehensive entertainment platform rather than just an audio service. The Netflix partnership and AI-powered recommendations signal that this is just the beginning of Spotify's living room ambitions. For users, it means your TV just became a much more engaging place to discover and consume content.
