Understanding Apple TV+ Subscription Pricing
Apple TV+ has emerged as one of the premium streaming services in the entertainment industry, offering exclusive original content that has garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards. As of January 2026, understanding the pricing structure and available options for accessing this streaming platform has become increasingly important for consumers looking to maximize their entertainment budget while enjoying high-quality programming.
The streaming service underwent significant pricing changes throughout 2025, marking the third time Apple has adjusted subscription costs since the platform launched in November 2019. These changes reflect the evolving landscape of streaming entertainment and Apple’s investment in premium original content that competes directly with established platforms like Netflix, Disney Plus, and HBO Max.
Current Apple TV+ Monthly and Annual Subscription Costs
Apple TV+ currently costs $12.99 per month in the United States, representing a substantial increase from its original launch price of $4.99 monthly in 2019. This pricing adjustment took effect in August 2025, following previous increases that brought the monthly cost from $4.99 to $6.99 in 2022, and subsequently to $9.99 in October 2023. The platform maintains competitive positioning despite these increases by offering features that many competitors charge extra for, including 4K HDR streaming quality, Dolby Atmos audio support, and simultaneous streaming on multiple devices.
For subscribers seeking better value, Apple offers an annual subscription option priced at $99.99 per year. This annual plan effectively provides two months of service free compared to the monthly subscription model, working out to approximately $8.33 per month when calculated over twelve months. The annual option represents savings of approximately 36 percent compared to paying month-to-month, making it an attractive choice for committed viewers who plan to maintain their subscription throughout the year.
International pricing varies by region, with the United Kingdom charging £9.99 monthly or £89.99 annually, while Australian subscribers pay AU$15.99 per month or AU$129.99 for the full year. These regional prices reflect local market conditions and currency valuations, though all territories receive the same comprehensive content library and premium streaming features regardless of geographic location.
Apple One Bundle: Maximum Value for Multiple Services
Apple One represents a compelling alternative for users already invested in the Apple ecosystem or those considering multiple Apple services. This subscription bundle combines Apple TV+ with other premium services including Apple Music, Apple Arcade, iCloud storage, and depending on the tier, Apple News+ and Apple Fitness+. The bundling strategy provides substantial savings compared to subscribing to each service individually.
The Individual Plan costs $19.95 monthly and includes Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and 50GB of iCloud+ storage. This tier saves approximately $9 per month compared to purchasing these services separately. The Family Plan at $25.95 monthly offers identical services with upgraded 200GB iCloud+ storage and sharing capabilities for up to six family members, providing around $11 in monthly savings. For power users, the Premier Plan priced at $37.95 per month adds Apple News+ and Apple Fitness+ while including a substantial 2TB of iCloud+ storage and full family sharing features.
Each Apple One tier includes a 30-day free trial period, allowing potential subscribers to evaluate whether the bundle provides sufficient value for their needs. The service automatically renews after the trial period unless cancelled, and users maintain the flexibility to downgrade or cancel at any time without penalty. Family sharing extends across all included services, meaning up to six household members can access premium content using their own Apple IDs while maintaining personalized recommendations and viewing histories.
Free Trial Options and Promotional Offers
Apple TV+ provides multiple pathways for new users to experience the service without immediate financial commitment. The standard offering includes a seven-day free trial available to all new subscribers who have not previously used Apple TV+. This trial period grants full access to the entire content library, including all original series, movies, documentaries, and children’s programming available on the platform.
The most generous promotional offer comes with the purchase of eligible Apple hardware. Customers who buy a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K device, or Mac computer receive three months of Apple TV+ completely free. This promotion must be activated within 90 days of setting up the new device and represents a value of approximately $39 for monthly subscribers. The offer applies to purchases made through Apple retail stores, the Apple website, or authorized Apple resellers, though only one promotional redemption is permitted per Apple Account or Family Sharing group regardless of how many qualifying devices are purchased.
Students enrolled in higher education institutions can access Apple TV+ through the Apple Music Student Plan priced at $5.99 monthly. This discounted subscription includes both Apple Music’s entire catalog and full Apple TV+ access at no additional cost, representing a 65 percent discount compared to subscribing to both services separately. Students must verify their enrollment status annually through UNiDAYS or another authorized verification service to maintain eligibility for this promotional pricing.
Carrier Bundles and Third-Party Partnerships
Several wireless carriers and service providers include Apple TV+ as part of their premium subscription packages, creating additional value for existing customers. T-Mobile subscribers on select unlimited plans previously received Apple TV+ at no additional cost, though recent changes implemented in January 2026 now require these customers to pay $3 monthly for continued access. This represents a significant discount compared to the standard $12.99 monthly rate but marks a shift from the completely free offering previously available.
Verizon offers Apple TV+ integration through its Unlimited Ultimate package, where customers can add Apple One bundles at reduced rates compared to subscribing directly through Apple. This partnership provides seamless billing through the carrier’s existing account management system while maintaining full access to Apple’s ecosystem of services. Prime Video subscribers can add Apple TV+ as a channel within the Amazon platform, creating a centralized viewing experience that combines content from both services in a single interface.
The Apple TV+ and Peacock bundle launched in late October 2025 provides exceptional value for subscribers interested in both services. This partnership offers two subscription tiers: the Premium plan combining both services for $14.99 monthly (including advertisements on Peacock content), and the Premium Plus option at $19.99 monthly for completely ad-free viewing across both platforms. These bundles represent savings of 37 percent and 33 percent respectively compared to subscribing to each service independently.
Compatible Devices and Viewing Platforms
Apple TV+ demonstrates remarkable flexibility in device compatibility, extending far beyond Apple’s proprietary hardware ecosystem. The service is accessible on iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, and Apple TV streaming devices, where it integrates seamlessly with the native TV app pre-installed on these products. Users simply open the TV app, navigate to the Apple TV+ tab, and sign in with their Apple ID credentials to begin streaming content immediately.
Smart television compatibility encompasses major manufacturers including Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL, and Panasonic models. These televisions feature the Apple TV app pre-installed or available for download through their respective app stores, eliminating the need for additional hardware to access the streaming service. The app provides identical functionality to Apple’s native platforms, including personalized recommendations, download capabilities for offline viewing, and seamless integration with iCloud for syncing watch progress across multiple devices.
Popular streaming devices support Apple TV+ through dedicated applications available in their digital storefronts. Roku players and televisions, Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, and game consoles including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S all offer native Apple TV+ apps. Users without any compatible hardware can access the service through web browsers by visiting tv.apple.com, which provides full streaming functionality on Windows PCs, Chromebooks, and Linux systems using Safari, Google Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge browsers.
Setting Up Apple TV+ on Various Devices
Installation on Apple Devices
Apple device owners benefit from the most streamlined setup process, as the TV app comes pre-installed on iPhones running iOS 12.3 or later, iPads with iPadOS 12.3 or newer, Apple TV HD and 4K models, and Mac computers operating macOS Catalina or more recent versions. Users simply launch the TV app, select the Apple TV+ tab displayed prominently in the navigation menu, and choose either “Try It Free” for new subscribers or “Subscribe Now” if ineligible for trial offers. The system automatically associates the subscription with the user’s Apple ID, enabling immediate access across all devices signed into the same account.
Family Sharing functionality allows the primary subscriber to extend access to up to five additional family members without extra charges. This feature is configured through Settings on iOS devices or System Preferences on Mac computers, where the account holder adds family members by email address. Each family member maintains their own personalized recommendations, watch history, and download library while sharing the single subscription cost among the household.
Configuration on Smart TVs
Smart television setup procedures vary slightly by manufacturer but follow similar general principles. Samsung television owners navigate to the Apps section from the home screen, search for “Apple TV” using the search function, and select the app when it appears in results. After downloading and installing the application, users open it and follow on-screen prompts to sign in with their Apple ID. Some newer Samsung models support automatic account detection if the user’s iPhone is nearby, streamlining the authentication process.
LG smart TV users access the app through the LG Content Store, searchable via the home screen’s search icon. Sony television owners with 2018 or later models ensure their firmware is current before accessing the app, while those with 2020 or newer models follow platform-specific instructions for Android TV or Google TV depending on their television’s operating system. VIZIO and Panasonic televisions typically feature the Apple TV app prominently displayed in their app libraries, requiring only selection and login to begin using the service.
Setup on Streaming Devices and Game Consoles
Roku device configuration begins at the home screen where users select “Search Channels” and enter “Apple TV” in the search field. The app appears in results under the “Streaming Channels” category, and selecting “Add Channel” initiates the download and installation process. Once installed, the Apple TV app icon appears in the channel list on the home screen, and launching it presents the sign-in interface for Apple ID credentials.
Amazon Fire TV owners navigate to the search function on their home screen and enter “Apple TV” either by typing or using Alexa voice commands. Selecting the app from search results and choosing “Get” or “Download” installs it to the device. The installed app then appears in the Apps & Channels section of the Fire TV interface. PlayStation and Xbox console users access their respective digital stores—PlayStation Store or Microsoft Store—search for the Apple TV app, download it, and launch it from their games and apps library.
Web browser access requires no installation, as users simply navigate to tv.apple.com using any modern browser. The site prompts for Apple ID credentials and provides immediate access to the full content library. Browser-based viewing supports up to 4K resolution on compatible displays and maintains synchronization with other devices logged into the same Apple Account, allowing users to begin watching on their computer and continue on mobile devices or televisions seamlessly.
Premium Features Included with Every Subscription
Apple TV+ distinguishes itself from competitors by including premium features in the base subscription without tiered pricing structures or additional fees. Every subscriber receives 4K Ultra HD resolution streaming with High Dynamic Range (HDR) support, including both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision formats on compatible displays. This ensures optimal picture quality without requiring premium subscription tiers as Netflix and other services mandate for equivalent visual fidelity.
Dolby Atmos audio is available for all compatible content, providing immersive three-dimensional sound when used with compatible speaker systems or headphones. The service supports spatial audio on AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and certain Beats headphones, creating theater-like audio experiences for viewers using Apple’s premium audio products. These audio enhancements extend to downloaded content, maintaining quality even when viewing offline during travel or in areas with limited internet connectivity.
Simultaneous streaming on multiple devices comes standard with every subscription, allowing family members to watch different content on separate screens concurrently. The service imposes no artificial limitations on concurrent streams, contrasting with competitors that restrict simultaneous viewing based on subscription tier. Downloads for offline viewing are unlimited and available on all compatible mobile devices and tablets, enabling users to save entire seasons of shows or multiple movies for viewing during flights, commutes, or other situations where internet access is unavailable.
Exclusive Content Library and Original Programming
Apple TV+ has invested substantially in original content production, resulting in a curated library focused on quality over quantity. The platform’s strategy differs markedly from competitors who maintain extensive catalogs of licensed content alongside original productions. Every title available on Apple TV+ is either an Apple Original production or an exclusive acquisition, ensuring subscribers access content unavailable on competing platforms.
Award-winning series have established Apple TV+ as a destination for prestige television. Severance returned for its highly anticipated second season in January 2025 after a three-year hiatus, delivering the mind-bending workplace thriller that earned multiple Emmy nominations. Ted Lasso, the feel-good comedy about an American football coach managing a British soccer team, captured cultural zeitgeist and numerous awards throughout its run, with a surprise fourth season announcement delighting fans who thought the series had concluded.
The Studio emerged as a breakout hit in late 2025, starring Seth Rogen as a Hollywood executive navigating the chaos of film production. The series earned an unprecedented 13 Emmy Awards in its first season, breaking records for comedy series recognition. Pluribus, from Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan, became one of the year’s most discussed new series, featuring Rhea Seehorn in a philosophical science fiction narrative that earned placement on multiple “best of 2025” lists.
Science fiction programming represents a particular strength for the platform, with Foundation, Silo, For All Mankind, and Dark Matter all delivering compelling narratives with substantial production values. Historical drama Chief of War, starring Jason Momoa, provides Apple’s first Polynesian-centered epic, while spy thriller Slow Horses has built a devoted following through multiple acclaimed seasons. Family-friendly content includes animated series and educational programming suitable for younger viewers, ensuring the platform serves diverse household demographics.
Content Discovery and Platform Features
The Apple TV app employs sophisticated recommendation algorithms that analyze viewing habits across the user’s watch history to suggest relevant content. The “Up Next” feature maintains a queue of partially watched content and episodes from followed series, ensuring viewers can easily resume shows and never miss new releases from favorite programs. This personalized row appears prominently at the top of the interface on all supported devices.
InSight functionality, exclusive to Apple TV+ content, provides real-time information about actors, music, and trivia as shows and movies play. Users can access this feature by bringing up the media player controls, where they’ll see cards displaying cast member names, character information, and soundtrack details that update automatically as scenes change. When using an iPhone as a remote control, InSight information appears directly on the mobile device, allowing for exploration without disrupting the viewing experience on the main screen.
Parental controls enable household administrators to restrict content based on rating classifications, ensuring children access age-appropriate programming. These restrictions can be configured individually for each family member, providing customized experiences based on age and maturity level. The platform supports multiple user profiles through Family Sharing, maintaining separate watch histories and recommendations for each household member while operating under a single subscription.
Comparison with Competing Streaming Services
At $12.99 monthly, Apple TV+ positions itself in the mid-range of streaming service pricing, though direct comparisons require consideration of included features and content strategies. Netflix’s Standard plan with advertising costs $6.99 monthly but includes advertisements and limits streaming to 1080p resolution, while its ad-free Standard tier costs $15.49 monthly. Netflix’s Premium plan at $22.99 monthly most closely matches Apple TV+ feature parity with 4K streaming and multiple simultaneous streams.
Disney Plus charges $15.99 monthly for its ad-free Premium tier, while the ad-supported Basic option costs $9.99 monthly. HBO Max maintains pricing at $16.99 monthly for ad-free access, while Paramount Plus charges $12.99 monthly for its ad-free tier. Peacock Premium costs $14.99 monthly with advertisements, while the ad-free Premium Plus option is priced at $19.99 monthly. Against these competitors, Apple TV+ offers competitive pricing particularly when considering the 4K streaming, Dolby Atmos audio, and unlimited downloads included without additional fees.
Content library size represents the most significant differentiator, as Apple TV+ maintains approximately 200-300 titles compared to Netflix’s thousands of available movies and series. However, Apple’s quality-focused approach results in higher percentages of critically acclaimed content, with numerous Emmy, Golden Globe, and Academy Award wins demonstrating the platform’s commitment to prestige programming. For viewers prioritizing carefully curated original content over massive catalogs of mixed-quality offerings, Apple TV+ presents compelling value despite its smaller absolute library size.
Managing Your Apple TV+ Subscription
Subscription management occurs through different interfaces depending on the device being used. iPhone and iPad users access their subscriptions through Settings by tapping their name at the top of the screen, selecting “Subscriptions,” and choosing Apple TV+ from the list of active services. This interface displays the current subscription status, renewal date, and payment method, with options to change between monthly and annual billing, modify payment information, or cancel the subscription entirely.
Mac users manage subscriptions through System Settings by clicking their name, selecting “Media & Purchases,” and choosing “Manage” next to Subscriptions. This brings up an identical interface to iOS devices, maintaining consistency across Apple’s ecosystem. For subscriptions managed through third-party providers like Prime Video Channels or carrier partnerships, users must cancel through the respective provider’s account management system rather than Apple’s settings.
Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing cycle, allowing subscribers to continue accessing content through the period already paid for. Apple does not offer pro-rated refunds for partial months when cancelling monthly subscriptions or unused portions of annual plans. Re-subscribing at any point restores access immediately, though users who cancel may lose eligibility for certain promotional offers previously claimed such as the three-month trial with device purchases.
Download and Offline Viewing Capabilities
Offline viewing functionality enables subscribers to download movies and television episodes for watching without internet connectivity. This feature is available on iPhone, iPad, Mac computers, and some supported smart devices, though web browser access does not support downloads. Downloaded content maintains full 4K resolution and Dolby Atmos audio where applicable, ensuring offline viewing quality matches streaming experiences.
Download management occurs within the Apple TV app through the Library section, where a “Downloaded” category displays all content saved to the device. Users can set download quality preferences, choosing between options optimized for storage space efficiency or maximum video quality. The app automatically removes downloaded episodes after they’ve been watched to conserve storage space, though users can disable this automatic deletion and manually manage their offline library.
Downloaded content remains accessible as long as the subscription remains active and the content is available in the Apple TV+ catalog. If a subscriber cancels their subscription, downloaded content becomes inaccessible even though the files remain on the device. Reactivating the subscription immediately restores access to previously downloaded titles. Some content may have limited download windows or expiration dates due to licensing agreements, though Apple-produced original content typically remains available for download indefinitely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my Apple TV+ subscription with family members?
Yes, every Apple TV+ subscription includes Family Sharing capability at no additional cost. The primary subscriber can share access with up to five additional family members, for a total of six people using a single subscription. Each family member maintains their own personalized viewing experience with individual recommendations, watch histories, and download libraries. Family Sharing is configured through the primary subscriber’s Apple ID settings, where they can invite family members via email. All family members must have their own Apple IDs to participate.
Does Apple TV+ include live sports streaming?
Apple TV+ subscriptions include access to select live sports content as part of the base subscription, notably Friday Night Baseball featuring Major League Baseball games during the regular season. However, comprehensive sports coverage requires additional subscriptions. MLS Season Pass, offering every Major League Soccer match without blackouts, costs $12.99 monthly for existing Apple TV+ subscribers or $14.99 monthly for non-subscribers. Season-long packages are available at $79 and $99 respectively, providing savings for dedicated soccer fans.
What happens if I cancel my subscription and later resubscribe?
When cancelling Apple TV+, access continues through the end of the current billing period. After cancellation takes effect, viewing history, watchlists, and preferences are preserved in Apple’s systems for potential future reactivation. Upon resubscribing, all previously saved information is restored, allowing seamless continuation of partially watched series and maintaining personalized recommendations based on historical viewing patterns. However, certain promotional offers such as free trials or device purchase bonuses cannot be claimed again by the same Apple Account.
Can I watch Apple TV+ content while traveling internationally?
Apple TV+ content availability varies by country due to licensing agreements and regional restrictions. Most Apple Original content is available worldwide in all markets where the service operates, which includes over 100 countries. However, some titles may be restricted in specific regions. Subscribers traveling internationally can generally access their account and watch most content, though a stable internet connection is required for streaming. Downloaded content for offline viewing provides the most reliable access when traveling, as it eliminates concerns about regional availability or internet connectivity.
Is there an ad-supported tier for Apple TV+ like other streaming services offer?
As of January 2026, Apple TV+ does not offer an ad-supported subscription tier. All content on the platform streams completely advertisement-free, with the exception of brief promotional trailers for other Apple TV+ original content that occasionally play before selected programming. These promotional segments are skippable and do not interrupt the viewing experience. While industry speculation has suggested Apple may introduce an ad-supported tier in the future as other platforms have done, no official announcements regarding such plans have been made.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Apple TV+ Experience
Take advantage of the annual subscription immediately after your free trial rather than allowing the monthly billing to begin. This strategy locks in savings of more than 35 percent compared to month-to-month payments and is particularly valuable following the August 2025 price increase. Access this option by subscribing to the monthly plan initially, then navigating to subscription settings and switching to annual billing before the trial period expires.
Combine multiple free trial offers when possible by strategically timing device purchases and subscription activations. For example, a student can use the standard seven-day trial first, then activate the three-month device purchase offer when buying a new iPhone or iPad, followed by transitioning to the discounted Apple Music Student Plan that includes Apple TV+ for only $5.99 monthly. This approach provides nearly four months of free or heavily discounted access before paying full price.
Enable download preferences to automatically save new episodes of followed series when connected to Wi-Fi. This setting, found in the Apple TV app preferences, ensures the latest episodes are ready for offline viewing during commutes or travel without manual intervention. Configure the app to delete watched episodes automatically to prevent storage consumption while maintaining a current library of unwatched content.
Utilize the “Up Next” feature strategically by adding promising series to your watchlist even before watching the first episode. This causes new episodes to appear in your Up Next row as they release, effectively creating a personalized schedule of new content without requiring active monitoring of release dates. The feature syncs across all devices, providing consistent access to your curated queue regardless of which screen you’re using.
Explore the InSight feature extensively when watching Apple Originals, as it provides fascinating behind-the-scenes information and enhances understanding of creative choices. This feature is particularly valuable for music-focused content, allowing instant identification and Apple Music integration for soundtrack additions. When watching with others, use an iPhone as the secondary screen for InSight information to avoid disrupting their viewing experience with on-screen displays.
Conclusion
Apple TV+ has established itself as a significant player in the competitive streaming entertainment market through strategic focus on premium original content and high production values. While the subscription price has increased substantially from the launch rate of $4.99 monthly to the current $12.99 rate, the service continues offering exceptional value through included features that competitors often reserve for premium tiers. The complete absence of advertisements, universal 4K HDR streaming quality, Dolby Atmos audio support, and unlimited simultaneous streaming and downloads create an experience focused on quality over quantity.
Multiple pathways to access the service at reduced cost or through free trial periods make Apple TV+ accessible to diverse audiences with varying budgets. The three-month promotional offer accompanying Apple device purchases, student discounts through the Apple Music Student Plan, and the comprehensive savings available through Apple One bundles provide substantial value for existing Apple ecosystem participants. Even the standard seven-day trial offers sufficient time to sample the platform’s award-winning original series and determine whether the content library aligns with personal viewing preferences.
The platform’s strength lies in its curated approach to content, prioritizing critically acclaimed productions over maintaining extensive catalogs of variable quality. Series like Severance, Ted Lasso, The Studio, and Pluribus demonstrate Apple’s commitment to prestige programming that generates cultural conversation and earns industry recognition. For viewers seeking thoughtfully produced entertainment without the overwhelming abundance characteristic of larger streaming services, Apple TV+ presents a compelling option that balances cost, quality, and convenience across an impressive range of compatible devices and viewing platforms.
