Apple has added several new channels and cable internet services onto the new Apple TV universal search and Siri search today, following the addition of Fox and National Geographic earlier in the month. Today’s enhancements brings Watch ABC, Disney Channel, Disney Jr and Disney X.D into the mix allowing users to quickly search across these services in the Apple TV UI. As shown in the screenshot, Modern Family now lists ABC as a viewing option alongside Netflix, iTunes and Hulu. Selecting Watch ABC takes the user directly to the app with the show ready to watch.
Unfortunately, international Apple TV users continue to be left in the dark regarding ‘universal’ search. Outside of the US, a handful of countries get iTunes + Netflix integration in search results … the remainder only get iTunes.
Apple has been expanding the supported services list since the Apple TV’s launch in October. As well as the channel providers listed above, Apple has added Fox, National Geographic, FX Now, PBS and PBS Kids to the United States’ universal search in 2016.
The complete channel list is now up to 15 sources in total: iTunes, HBO GO, HBO NOW, Hulu, Netflix, PBS, PBS Kids, Showtime, Showtime Anytime, FOX Now, FX NOW, Nat Geo TV, Disney Channel, Disney X.D, Disney Jr and Watch ABC.
Although this is marketed primarily as an Apple TV feature, it is not wholly exclusive to the platform. iPhone users can use Siri on their phones to also see these universal search providers in action, when contextually appropriate.
