Google is discreetly discontinuing a widely-used app as part of a service restructure.

In yet another reorganisation of its services, Google is discontinuing a beloved app that’s been widely used by thousands of movie fans. Over the next few weeks, the tech giant will gradually phase out the Google Play Movies & TV app.

This service has already vanished from smart TVs and will soon be permanently removed. Starting from January 17, access to your purchased or rented films through Play Movies & TV will no longer be available. But fear not! Your bought films and TV shows will transition over to Android TV and YouTube.

Google has been gradually winding down the Play Movies & TV service since 2021, following the launch of its standalone TV app. It’s already been taken off all Roku devices and most smart TVs, but it still remains accessible on Android TV devices and the Google Play Store. However, a recent announcement on Android TV Help confirms the imminent removal of this service from these platforms.

In their statement, Google explained: ‘We are simplifying how you buy new movies or access the movies and TV shows you’ve purchased through Google.’ Nevertheless, existing Google Play Movies and TV users need not worry, as they’ll retain access to their purchases.

‘You’ll still have access to all your previously purchased titles (including active rentals) on Android TV devices, Google TV devices, the Google TV mobile app (Android and iOS), and YouTube,’ reassured Google.

Starting January 17, if you’re using a TV or streaming device powered by Android TV, your purchased titles will be located under the ‘Shop’ tab within ‘Your Library’. For those using a cable box or set-top box powered by Android TV, all previous purchases will now appear within the YouTube app.