What Apple TV+ costs and what comes with it
Apple TV+ is a streaming service run by Apple that costs $9.99 per month for a standard subscription in the United States. The price includes access to all shows and films in Apple's catalog — there are no separate tiers that cost more for ad-free viewing or higher video quality. Everyone pays the same amount and gets the same content library.
Your subscription gives you the ability to stream on up to six devices at once using the same account, though only one person can watch at a time on each device. You can read shows and films to watch offline on phones and tablets. Apple TV+ does not include live television, sports, or news — it focuses on original series, films, and documentaries that Apple has produced or licensed.
Apple offers a three-month free trial if you buy a new Apple device (iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV hardware). If you already own an Apple device, you do not get the free trial. Some wireless carriers and internet providers bundle Apple TV+ with their plans at no extra cost; the details depend on which provider you use.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month with no ads, no premium tier, and no hidden fees beyond the monthly charge.
- You can stream on up to six devices at the same time on one account, and read content to watch without an internet connection.
- A three-month free trial is available only if you purchase a new Apple device; existing Apple device owners do not receive a trial.
- Some wireless carriers and internet providers include Apple TV+ as part of their plan, so check your current service to see if it is already bundled.
How to start watching and manage your account
To watch Apple TV+, you need an Apple ID and the Apple TV app. The app is built into iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TV devices. On Android phones and tablets, you read the Apple TV app from the Google Play Store. On smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and other manufacturers, the Apple TV app is often pre-installed or available in the TV's app store.
Once you open the app and sign in with your Apple ID, you can start your subscription directly in the app. If you are using a free trial, the subscription will convert to a paid monthly charge when the trial ends unless you cancel before that date. You can cancel at any time through your Apple ID settings on any device, or through the Apple website.
Your account settings let you create up to six user profiles on one subscription, so different people in your household can have separate watch histories and recommendations. Each profile can be password-protected if you want to restrict access.
What shows and films are available
Apple TV+ produces original content across drama, comedy, documentary, and children's programming. The catalog includes series like Severance, Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, and Foundation, along with films and limited series. The exact titles available change as Apple adds new releases and removes older content.
The service does not publish a complete list of every title in its library, so the best way to see what is available is to browse the app itself. You can search by genre, sort by new releases, or look at what is trending. Apple also licenses some films and shows from other studios, though the majority of the service is original Apple content.
New episodes of series typically release on Friday mornings. Some shows release all episodes at once; others release one episode per week. The release schedule is shown in the app before you start watching.
Video quality and internet requirements
Apple TV+ streams in 4K resolution (Ultra HD) on devices that support it, at no extra cost. On older devices or smaller screens, the app automatically adjusts the quality based on your device's capabilities. The service uses adaptive streaming, which means the video quality adjusts automatically based on your internet speed.
Apple recommends a minimum internet speed of 25 Mbps for 4K streaming and 15 Mbps for 1080p HD. If your connection is slower, the app will stream at a lower quality to avoid buffering. You can also manually set a lower quality limit in the app settings if you want to use less data.
When you read content to watch offline, the app stores it on your device's storage. Downloaded files take up space and expire after a set period, so you may need to refresh them periodically to keep watching.
How Apple TV+ compares to other streaming services
Apple TV+ is one of several subscription streaming services available. The main differences between services are price, content library, and whether ads are included. Here is how the major services compare:
| Service | Monthly Price (US) | Ad-Free Option | Content Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV+ | $9.99 | Yes, included | Original series, films, documentaries |
| Netflix Standard | $15.49 | Yes, included | Original and licensed series, films |
| Disney+ | $7.99 | Yes, included | Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic |
| Hulu | $7.99 | Yes, included | Original and licensed series, films, next-day TV |
| Max (HBO) | $15.99 | Yes, included | HBO series, films, Warner Bros. content |
Apple TV+ has the smallest catalog of the major services, but it does not include ads even at the lowest price. Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Max all offer cheaper ad-supported tiers if you are willing to watch advertisements. The choice between services depends on which shows and films you want to watch and how much you want to spend.
Bundling options and discounts
Apple offers a bundle called Apple One that combines Apple TV+ with iCloud+ storage and Apple Music (the music streaming service). The bundle costs $19.95 per month for the individual plan, which is less than paying for each service separately. A family plan version costs $24.95 per month and includes up to six people.
Some wireless carriers include Apple TV+ at no extra charge as part of their plans. Verizon, T-Mobile, and other carriers periodically offer this benefit, though the terms change. If you are a customer of one of these carriers, check your account to see if Apple TV+ is already included.
Students may be able to get Apple Music and Apple TV+ together at a discount through Apple's student pricing, though this varies by country and may be able to access. Check Apple's website or ask in an Apple Store if you are a student.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my Apple TV+ account with people outside my household?
Apple's terms of service state that your account is for personal use only and should not be shared outside your household. The service allows multiple profiles and simultaneous streams to support family members living together. Apple has not enforced account-sharing restrictions as strictly as some other services, but the policy remains that sharing outside your home violates the terms.
What happens to my shows if I cancel my subscription?
If you cancel, you lose access to all Apple TV+ content when ready. Your watch history and profiles are saved for 30 days, so if you resubscribe within that time, your information returns. After 30 days, your account data is deleted. Downloaded content is also removed from your devices when you cancel.
Can I watch Apple TV+ on my smart TV?
Yes. Most modern smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and others have the Apple TV app pre-installed or available in their app store. You can also connect an Apple TV device (a small box that plugs into your TV) to any television. If your TV does not have the app, an Apple TV device is the easiest way to add it.
Do I need an Apple device to use Apple TV+?
No. While the service is made by Apple, you can watch on Android phones, Android tablets, smart TVs, and computers using a web browser. You do need an Apple ID to create your account, but you do not need to own any Apple hardware.
Is there a family plan for Apple TV+?
Apple TV+ itself does not have a separate family plan — one subscription works for up to six people through multiple profiles on the same account. If you want a plan that covers multiple people with separate Apple IDs and services, Apple One Family Plan includes Apple TV+, Apple Music, and iCloud+ storage for up to six family members at $24.95 per month.