What an Apple TV+ annual subscription costs and covers
Apple TV+ charges a single yearly fee instead of a monthly one, and the cost varies depending on which plan you choose and whether you bundle it with other Apple services. As of now, Apple offers two tiers: a standard plan and a premium plan with higher video quality. The exact dollar amount changes periodically, so you should check Apple's website directly for the current price in your country.
When you pay annually instead of month-to-month, you typically save money compared to adding up twelve monthly payments. The annual plan covers unlimited streaming of all Apple TV+ shows and films on all your devices for the full twelve months from your purchase date.
Your subscription includes access to original series like Severance and Ted Lasso, films, documentaries, and sports content. You can stream on up to six devices at once on the standard plan, though the premium plan may offer additional features like spatial audio or higher resolution. The subscription does not include ads on either tier.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV+ annual plans cost less per month than paying monthly, but you pay the full year upfront.
- You can bundle Apple TV+ with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and iCloud+ storage through Apple One, which may lower your total cost.
- Your annual subscription renews automatically on the same date each year unless you cancel beforehand.
- You can stream on multiple devices simultaneously, but the exact number depends on which tier you choose.
- Apple TV+ works on iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TVs, and many smart TVs and streaming devices.
How to purchase an Apple TV+ annual subscription
You buy an Apple TV+ annual subscription through the Apple TV app or through your Apple account on the web. On an iPhone or iPad, open the Apple TV app, tap the menu icon, select "Account," then "Subscriptions," and choose the annual plan. On a Mac or Apple TV device, the steps are similar: open the Apple TV app and navigate to account settings.
If you use a non-Apple device like an Android phone or a Roku, you can visit tv.apple.com in a web browser, sign in with your Apple ID, and purchase from there. You will need an active Apple ID and a valid payment method on file — a credit card, debit card, or Apple Gift Card.
Once you complete the purchase, your subscription begins when ready and you can start watching right away. Apple sends a confirmation email with your receipt and renewal date.
Annual versus monthly payments and when each makes sense
The annual plan requires you to pay the full year upfront, while the monthly plan charges you every thirty days. If you divide the annual cost by twelve, the monthly cost of an annual plan is lower than the standalone monthly rate. However, you lose flexibility — if you cancel an annual subscription partway through, you cannot get a refund for the unused months.
The monthly plan is better if you are unsure whether you will keep the subscription long-term, want to watch specific shows that are ending soon, or prefer to spread out your payments. The annual plan makes sense if you know you will watch regularly throughout the year and want to save money.
Some people use annual subscriptions strategically: they buy one for a few months when new seasons of their favorite shows release, then cancel. Others stay subscribed year-round. There is no penalty for canceling an annual plan early, but you straightforward will not receive a refund.
Apple One bundles and how they affect your annual cost
Apple One is a bundle that combines Apple TV+ with other Apple services: Apple Music (streaming music), Apple Arcade (games), and iCloud+ (cloud storage). Depending on which bundle tier you choose, you might pay less overall than buying each service separately.
The Individual bundle includes Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and 50 GB of iCloud+ storage. The Family bundle adds up to five additional family members and increases iCloud+ storage to 200 GB. The Premier bundle (available in some countries) adds Apple News+ and Apple Fitness+.
If you already pay for Apple Music or iCloud+ separately, switching to an Apple One bundle that includes Apple TV+ annually might reduce your total monthly or yearly cost. You can view the exact pricing and compare it to your current subscriptions on Apple's website.
Automatic renewal and how to cancel or change your plan
Apple TV+ annual subscriptions renew automatically on the same date each year. Apple charges your payment method on file without asking for confirmation. You will receive an email reminder a few days before the renewal date.
To cancel before renewal, open the Apple TV app, go to Account > Subscriptions > Apple TV+, and select "Cancel Subscription." You can also manage subscriptions through Settings on an iPhone or iPad, or through your Apple ID account on the web at appleid.apple.com. Once you cancel, your subscription remains active until the renewal date, then stops.
If you want to switch from annual to monthly (or vice versa), you must cancel your current plan and purchase the new one. The new plan's renewal date will be based on when you make the change, not your original purchase date. If you cancel an annual plan and when ready buy a monthly plan, you will not receive a refund for the unused annual portion.
What devices work with Apple TV+ and account sharing
Apple TV+ works on iPhones, iPads, iPod Touch devices, Macs, Apple TV boxes, and many third-party smart TVs including Samsung, LG, Vizio, and Sony models. You can also watch through Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and PlayStation or Xbox consoles. The app is free to read on all these platforms; you only pay for the subscription itself.
Your Apple TV+ subscription is tied to your Apple ID. You can sign in on up to six devices at once on the standard plan. Family members can use the same subscription if they are part of your Family Sharing group in iCloud, though they will see their own personalized recommendations and watch history.
If you share your Apple ID password directly with someone outside your household, Apple's terms of service do not permit that. However, Family Sharing is designed for exactly this purpose and is the official way to let family members use your subscription.
Common issues and what to do if your subscription does not work
If you cannot watch after purchasing an annual subscription, first check that you are signed in with the same Apple ID you used to buy it. If you signed in with a different Apple ID, that account will not see the subscription. Sign out and sign back in with the correct account.
If the app says your subscription has expired but you just renewed, wait a few minutes and refresh the app. Sometimes the system takes a moment to update. If it still does not work after an hour, restart the device and try again.
If you were charged twice or charged after you canceled, contact Apple Support through the Apple TV app (tap Menu > Account > Contact Apple Support) or visit support.apple.com. Apple can review your account and issue a refund if there was an error. Keep your receipt email as proof of purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I cancel my annual subscription early?
Apple does not refund unused months on annual subscriptions as a standard policy. However, if you cancel within fourteen days of purchase in most countries, you may be able to request a refund. Contact Apple Support with your receipt to ask. After fourteen days, refunds are not may provide, though Apple may make exceptions in certain situations.
Does an Apple TV+ annual subscription include a free trial?
Apple sometimes offers free trial periods for new subscribers, but this varies by country and changes over time. If you are a new customer, check the subscription page in the Apple TV app to see if a trial is available. Trials typically last seven days, after which your annual subscription begins and you are charged.
What happens to my subscription if I change my Apple ID?
Your Apple TV+ subscription is tied to the Apple ID that purchased it. If you switch to a different Apple ID on your device, you will lose access to that subscription. You would need to sign back in with the original Apple ID to watch, or purchase a new subscription under the new ID.
Can I use my annual Apple TV+ subscription on multiple people's devices?
Yes, through Family Sharing. Add family members to your iCloud Family Sharing group, and they can watch using their own Apple IDs on their own devices. Each person sees their own recommendations and watch history. If you share your Apple ID password directly instead, multiple people can watch simultaneously up to the device limit, but they will all see the same watch history.
Is there a student discount for Apple TV+ annual subscriptions?
Apple TV+ is included in Apple Music Student subscriptions, which costs less than Apple Music alone. If you are a student, you can verify your status through the Apple Music app and get both services at the student rate. This is an annual subscription that renews each year.