Amazon Prime Video Overview
Amazon Prime Video for Mac is a streaming app for watching movies, TV shows, live sports, and Amazon Originals included with a Prime subscription. It doesn't have a native macOS desktop app. Mac users instead watch through the Prime Video website in a browser, or by downloading Amazon's iPad app directly from the Mac App Store on Apple Silicon Macs, since M-series chips can run iOS and iPadOS apps natively. The App Store version includes Picture-in-Picture playback, X-Ray details powered by IMDb, and support for multiple viewer profiles. Rentals and purchases of new-release titles are also available, with availability varying by region. Both options work with your existing Amazon account, so no separate sign-up is required.
Why Choose Amazon Prime Video for Mac
If you've searched for a Prime Video desktop app and come up empty, that's expected. There isn't one, which is the most common source of confusion around watching Prime Video on Mac. The good news is both real options work well. The Prime Video website plays everything the app does, right in Safari or Chrome, with no download required at all.
If you'd rather use an app, Apple Silicon Macs (M1 and later) can install Amazon's iPad version straight from the Mac App Store, since those chips run iOS and iPadOS apps natively. Intel Mac owners don't have that option and should stick with the browser, since Prime Video isn't available for Intel through the App Store.
Key Features
- Full Prime Video movie, TV, and live sports library
- Amazon Originals included with an active Prime subscription
- Picture-in-Picture playback for watching while using other apps
- X-Ray details for cast and scene information, powered by IMDb
- Multiple viewer profiles for personalized recommendations
- Rent or buy new-release movies and shows, where available
- Playback works through any modern browser, no app required
- iPad app installable directly on Apple Silicon Macs via the Mac App Store
What's New in 10.142 Version
Recent Amazon Prime Video updates focus on stability rather than new features. Recent changes include:
- General bug fixes and performance improvements
- Continued compatibility updates for current iOS and iPadOS versions running on Apple Silicon Macs
- Since Prime Video for Mac is really the iPad app running under Apple Silicon, most functional updates come from Amazon's mobile release schedule rather than a separate Mac-specific one.
Supported macOS Versions
Watching through a browser works on any Mac running a current version of Safari or Chrome, regardless of chip. Installing the App Store app instead requires an Apple Silicon Mac (M1 or later); Intel Macs cannot install it and should use the browser version.
How to Install Amazon Prime Video on macOS?
Setting up Prime Video on your Mac depends on which method you choose.
- To watch in a browser, no installation is needed. Just log in at the Prime Video website with your Amazon account.
- To use the app instead, confirm you have an Apple Silicon Mac (M1 or later).
- Download the Prime Video app for Mac.
- Open the app from your Applications folder once installed.
- Sign in with your Amazon account to start streaming.
- Once signed in, either method gives you full access to your Prime Video library right away.
How to Use Amazon Prime Video Mac?
- Log in with your Amazon account, either on the website or in the App Store app.
- Browse titles by category, or search for something specific.
- Select a title and press play to start streaming immediately.
- Use Picture-in-Picture in the app version to keep watching while multitasking.
- Switch profiles if multiple people in your household use the same account.
- Check X-Ray during playback for cast and scene details powered by IMDb.
