diff --git a/packages/schematics/angular/application/other-files/app.component.spec.ts.template b/packages/schematics/angular/application/other-files/app.component.spec.ts.template
index fcdf822fb55b..8eda79d528db 100644
--- a/packages/schematics/angular/application/other-files/app.component.spec.ts.template
+++ b/packages/schematics/angular/application/other-files/app.component.spec.ts.template
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ describe('AppComponent', () => {
   it('should render title', () => {
     const fixture = TestBed.createComponent(AppComponent);
     fixture.detectChanges();
-    const compiled = fixture.nativeElement;
-    expect(compiled.querySelector('.content span').textContent).toContain('<%= name %> app is running!');
+    const compiled = fixture.nativeElement as HTMLElement;
+    expect(compiled.querySelector('.content span')?.textContent).toContain('<%= name %> app is running!');
   });
 });