Amazon Prime Video iOS and Apple TV apps now let you buy and rent movies

Amazon Prime Video iOS and Apple TV apps now let you buy and rent movies
(Image credit: Amazon)

Both Amazon Prime Video's iOS and Apple TV apps now let users make in-app film and TV show rentals and purchases. The move marks a significant change in Amazon’s attitude towards the App Store, which typically takes a 30 per cent cut on all in-app purchases. 

Until now, Amazon has not allowed you to rent or buy its content (including titles from its recently launched Amazon Prime Video Cinema Hub) from the Prime Video iOS or Apple TV app, instead directing you to a web browser to avoid the App Store charge.

Now, as spotted by The Verge, iOS device users signing in to the Prime Video app are greeted with a message that reads: “Browse, rent, or buy new release movies, popular TV shows, and more – now within the app”.

Thankfully, Prime Video prices don't seem to have been hiked to account for the in-app purchase fees.

In the Prime Video app (which doesn't need to be updated to bring about the change) there is now a proper store tab showcasing lists of new movies to rent or buy. 

At a time when stay-at-home viewers are getting savvy on how to stream TV shows and movies for free (including Disney Plus), it obviously makes sense for providers to stay in the game by making their content as accessible as possible. 

MORE: 

Disney Plus streaming service: everything you need to know

22 of the best TV shows on Amazon Prime Video

New on Netflix: best new movies and TV shows on Netflix UK - April 2020

Becky has been a full-time staff writer at What Hi-Fi? since March 2019. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, she freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 20-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance is of course tethered to a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, FourFourTwo, This is Cabaret and The Stage. When not writing, she dances, spins in the air, drinks coffee, watches football or surfs in Cornwall with her other half – a football writer whose talent knows no bounds. 

Latest in TV Streaming Services
Formula 1
US readers rejoice – F1's getting a key upgrade UK fans have enjoyed for ages
Cobra Kai
The 'perfect' and 'emotional' finale to Netflix's action-packed hit series is finally here
Emily in Paris
Netflix's UK prices are rising – here's how much more you'll pay
BBC
Netflix viewers may soon have to pay the BBC licence fee – and I think it's a good idea
A TV showing the new Now home page with Free Guy as the featured selection. Two people sitting in the foreground watching the TV in a modern living room environment.
Now TV to receive a major overhaul with new features and a fresh look later this month
DC League of Legends Super-Pets
This "cute superhero romp" from DC Comics arrives on Netflix just in time for family movie night
Latest in News
iFi Valkyrie in gold with a laptop
iFi's flagship iDSD Valkyrie DAC/amp teases cutting-edge tech for a sound that's worthy of Valhalla
Amazon Spring Deal Days 2025 promotional image with Amazon boxes
Amazon Big Spring Sale live: our TV and headphone experts’ real-time buying advice
Sony Bravia Projector 8 home cinema projector
Terrible news: Sony is about to stop selling projectors in Europe, including the UK
Audiolab 6000A MkII amplifier in silver
Audiolab upgrades its five-star 6000A amplifier with a new DAC chip, enhanced circuitry and HDMI ARC
Qobuz
Qobuz reveals average payout per stream – and claims it is higher than rivals
Sonos Beam Gen 2
Quick! This five-star Sonos Dolby Atmos soundbar has dropped close to its lowest price