What Apple TV+ Is and How to Watch It

Apple TV+ is a streaming service run by Apple that shows original TV shows and movies you can watch on demand. You pay a monthly subscription fee, and in return you get access to Apple's library of content — you don't buy individual shows or movies. Once you subscribe, you can stream as much as you want on any device that has the Apple TV app or a web browser.

The service is available on iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, Apple TV boxes, and smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and other manufacturers. You can also watch through a web browser at tv.apple.com if you log in with your Apple ID. There are no ads on Apple TV+ — what you pay for is ad-free viewing.

Apple TV+ is separate from the Apple TV app itself. The Apple TV app is free and lets you buy or rent movies and shows from iTunes, or watch content from other services if you subscribe to them. Apple TV+ is the subscription service within that app.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV+ costs a set monthly amount and includes unlimited streaming of all original shows and movies in the library.
  • You can watch on iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TV devices, compatible smart TVs, and through a web browser with your Apple ID.
  • The service includes no ads, and you can stream on multiple devices at the same time depending on your subscription tier.
  • New episodes of shows release on a weekly schedule, not all at once, so you cannot binge an entire season when ready.
  • You can pause your subscription or cancel anytime without penalty, and you keep access until your billing date passes.

Subscription Cost and What's Included

Apple TV+ offers two subscription tiers. The standard plan costs less per month and includes ad-free streaming on one device at a time. The premium plan costs more and lets you stream on up to four devices at the same time, plus it includes support for higher video quality on compatible devices.

Both plans give you access to the same library of shows and movies. The difference is how many screens you can watch on simultaneously and the video quality. If you live alone or watch by yourself most of the time, the standard plan is usually enough. If you share your subscription with family members in different rooms, the premium plan lets everyone watch at once.

Apple also bundles Apple TV+ with other services through Apple One, which combines TV+, Apple Music, iCloud storage, and other Apple services into one subscription. This bundle costs less than paying for each service separately if you use multiple Apple services.

How to Set Up Your Account and Start Watching

To watch Apple TV+, you need an Apple ID. If you already have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you have an Apple ID. If not, you can create one for free at appleid.apple.com or through the Apple TV app.

Once you have an Apple ID, open the Apple TV app on your device or go to tv.apple.com in a web browser. Sign in with your Apple ID. Find the Apple TV+ section and select the subscription plan you want. You will be asked to confirm your payment method — Apple will charge your card on the date you subscribe and then on the same day each month.

After you subscribe, you can start watching when ready. Browse the library by category or use the search function to find a specific show or movie. Tap or click to start playing.

Original Content and What You Can Watch

Apple TV+ produces original shows and movies that you cannot watch anywhere else. These include drama series, comedies, documentaries, and films. The library is smaller than some other streaming services because Apple focuses on producing fewer shows with larger budgets rather than filling the catalog with many titles.

New episodes of shows release on a weekly schedule, usually on Fridays. This means if a show has ten episodes, you get one episode per week for ten weeks, not all ten at once. Some shows release multiple episodes on the first day, but most follow the weekly pattern. Movies are usually released all at once.

You can see what's coming to Apple TV+ by checking the "Coming Soon" section in the app. This shows you release dates for new shows and movies so you know when to expect them.

Watching on Multiple Devices and Sharing Your Account

With the standard plan, you can stream on one device at a time. If you try to watch on a second device while someone is already watching, the first stream will stop. With the premium plan, you can stream on up to four devices simultaneously, so multiple people can watch different shows at the same time.

Apple TV+ allows you to share your subscription with family members. You can add up to six people to a Family Sharing group, and everyone in the group gets access to your Apple TV+ subscription. Each person signs in with their own Apple ID, so their watch history and recommendations are separate.

If you share your subscription with people outside your household, Apple may ask you to verify your location periodically. This is to prevent account sharing across too many unrelated people.

Pausing and Canceling Your Subscription

You can pause your Apple TV+ subscription for up to four months without losing your account. When you pause, you won't be charged, and when you come back, your watch history and saved shows are still there. This is useful if you want to take a break but plan to return later.

To pause or cancel, go to your account settings in the Apple TV app or at tv.apple.com. Select "Manage Subscription" and choose pause or cancel. If you cancel, you keep access until the end of your current billing period — you don't lose access when ready.

There is no penalty for canceling. You can cancel anytime and restart anytime. Apple will not charge you after you cancel, and you can resubscribe whenever you want.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you cannot find the Apple TV app on your device, check that your device is compatible. Apple TV+ works on devices from 2016 and newer for most manufacturers, but older devices may not support it. Visit Apple's website to see the full list of compatible devices.

If you are having trouble signing in, make sure you are using the correct Apple ID and password. If you forgot your password, you can reset it at iforgot.apple.com. If you are still having trouble, try signing out completely, restarting the app, and signing back in.

If a show or movie won't play, try closing the app and opening it again. If that doesn't work, restart your device. If the problem continues, check your internet connection — streaming requires a stable connection, and a weak signal can cause playback to fail or pause.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Apple TV+ on my smart TV?

Yes, if your smart TV is from a manufacturer that supports Apple TV+, such as Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, or others. You read the Apple TV app from your TV's app store, sign in with your Apple ID, and start watching. If your TV is older or from a brand that doesn't support the app, you can use an Apple TV box or a streaming device like Roku or Amazon Fire Stick that has the Apple TV app.

Do I have to watch shows in order, or can I skip episodes?

You can watch episodes in any order you want. The app will remember where you stopped and let you pick up where you left off. However, most shows are written to be watched in order, so skipping episodes means you may miss plot points or character development that later episodes depend on.

What happens to my shows if I cancel my subscription?

Once your subscription ends, you lose access to all Apple TV+ content. Your watch history and saved shows are stored, so if you resubscribe later, your account will be the same as you left it. You won't be able to watch anything while your subscription is inactive.

Can I read shows to watch offline?

Yes. In the Apple TV app, you can read episodes and movies to your device and watch them without an internet connection. Downloads are available on iPhones, iPads, and Macs, but not on all devices. Downloaded content expires after a certain period or when your subscription ends, so you cannot keep downloads permanently.

Is there a free trial for Apple TV+?

Apple sometimes offers free trial periods for new subscribers, but this varies by region and changes over time. Check the Apple TV app or tv.apple.com to see if a trial is currently available in your area. If you buy a new Apple device, you may also receive a free trial as part of the purchase.