Why does the AppleTV App for Amazon FireTV restrict our viewing Movies on AppleTV ?

Apparently Amazon FireTV Prime restricts some viewers of AppleTV+ for FireTV App without adequate warning before users like us signup for AppleTV+... When we tried to view some Christmas movies on AppleTV+ after signup & login, a popup screen appeared claiming these movies were not available for free through any Channels we had subscribed - including the AppleTV+ for FireTV Prime App that we are trying out for the first time. Is AppleTV+ considered a separate channel on Amazon FireTV because Amazon FireTV Prime requires a separate AppleTV+ Channel App to be installed?


It seems to me that Amazon FireTV Prime is trying to squeeze FireTV users like me for more money by restricting our use of AppleTV+ unless we pay Amazon for movies that are free through AppleTV+. I can watch "Elf" and "Home Alone" on FireTV if I pay Amazon an additional $3 - $5 per movie or else when I pay additional subscription fees when I signup for some FireTV Channels other than AppleTV+.


During 12/2020, we signed up for a 7-day trial with AppleTV+ for FireTV App, when we successfully:

1.) installed the AppleTV+ App on our LG SmartTV with no problem,

2.) created our AppleTV ID user name/password, and

3.) logged into our AppleTV+ account through Amazon FireTV Prime.


We can now view AppleTV+ movies made solely for Apple with no problem. However, AppleTV+ prevents us from viewing some Christmas full movies such as "Elf" and "Home Alone" that are listed and currently available for free through AppleTV+. When we tried to view these movies, an AppleTV+ screen appeared claiming these movies are not available for free through any Channels we had subscribed - including the AppleTV+ FireTV App that we are trying out for the first time.


I realize that a work-around for this is if we purchase a separate AppleTV desktop box that grants us full access to all Apple material, including all movies on AppleTV+. However, I don't want the additional expenses and hassles of running separate set-top boxes for Amazon FireTV, AppleTV+, and other providers such as Hulu.


Why does AppleTV+ restict our viewing AppleTV+ movies through Amazon FireTV, which are apparently available to most other AppleTV+ Users with no such restrictions?


Will our AppleTV+ account be granted full access and viewing to movies such as "Elf" and "Home Alone" through the AppleTV+ App and Amazon FireTV Prime after we commit to monthly AppleTV+ billing after the trial period expires?


Your comments and suggestions are welcome!

FireTVStick(Gen2),

Posted on Dec 24, 2020 3:31 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 24, 2020 5:44 PM

First the basics, the "Apple TV" app and "Apple TV +" (note the +) are not one and the same. You can't subscribe to the "Apple TV" app, you can subscribe to "Apple TV +" for $4.99 in the US, or use the free trial. "Apple TV +" is a channel for Apple original content only.


"Elf", "Home Alone" are not Apple's original content. Apple's original content will have an "Apple TV +" icon.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 24, 2020 5:44 PM in response to Questor-Cinci

First the basics, the "Apple TV" app and "Apple TV +" (note the +) are not one and the same. You can't subscribe to the "Apple TV" app, you can subscribe to "Apple TV +" for $4.99 in the US, or use the free trial. "Apple TV +" is a channel for Apple original content only.


"Elf", "Home Alone" are not Apple's original content. Apple's original content will have an "Apple TV +" icon.

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Why does the AppleTV App for Amazon FireTV restrict our viewing Movies on AppleTV ?

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