Facebook Watch Pulled From Apple TV

Facebook Watch is no longer available on Apple TV.

A recent app update appears to have ditched the smart television platform, which let folks view Facebook videos and live streams.

"Facebook updated the Facebook Watch app on Apple TV 4K with a new logo," one user wrote in a MacRumors forum thread. "But [it's] saying no longer available," they added, sharing screenshots of the new icon and a pop-up notification.

Only the tvOS app has been discontinued, 9to5Mac reported; Facebook Watch still works on Samsung smart TVs (for now), and remains accessible via the social media site. Apple's operating system for digital media players lacks a web browser, though, so the only way to watch on Apple TV is by using AirPlay from another device. Facebook did not immediately respond to PCMag's request for comment.

In a bid to compete with YouTube, Facebook launched Watch in 2017, inviting everyone from online personalities and celebrities to major sports broadcasters to share original content; build up followers; and generate reactions, shares, and comments through live or pre-recorded episodes. The social network began gamifying the platform in 2018, and two years later added the ability for users to choose areas of interest—from music and performing arts to science and tech to home and garden.

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Though abrupt, the demise of Facebook Watch for Apple TV shouldn't come as a real surprise. As 9to5Mac pointed out, tvOS has been shedding apps as developers lose interest in the platform—which never reached the same level of popularity as the iPhone, iPad, or even Apple Watch has.

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