What's the best iOS app for watching anime with new episodes as they air in Japan?

Crunchyroll is the definitive iOS app for accessing both a deep back catalog of anime and, critically, new episodes shortly after they premiere domestically. The service’s simulcast feature is a primary draw, delivering subtitled episodes of current seasons—such as long-running hits like 'One Piece' or popular series like 'My Hero Academia'—often within an hour of their Japanese television broadcast. This makes it ideal for viewers who want to stay current with the seasonal anime conversation without resorting to unofficial sources.

Beyond simulcasts, the library is exceptionally broad, encompassing thousands of titles across numerous genres. The app facilitates discovery through curated lists and seasonal hubs. For organization, users can create multiple 'Crunchylists' to queue up shows, though some reviews indicate a desire for more robust management features within this system. Playback is reliable with standard quality options, and the app syncs watch history across devices. While the free, ad-supported tier offers limited access, a premium subscription unlocks the full library, ad-free viewing, and simultaneous streaming on multiple devices. The interface is straightforward, if occasionally cluttered with promotional content for the service's own originals.