Apple TV+ is a streaming service that costs $9.99 per month for one person, or $19.99 per month for a family plan that covers up to six people
Apple TV+ is owned and run by Apple. You watch shows and films through the Apple TV app on your device — a phone, tablet, computer, or television. The service includes original programs made by Apple, plus licensed films and shows from other studios. There is no free tier, no ads version, and no option to pay per episode or per film.
The individual plan ($9.99 per month) gives one person access to the account. The family plan ($19.99 per month) lets up to six people use the same account on different devices at the same time. Family members each get their own profile, watch history, and recommendations. Apple does not charge extra for adding people to a family plan — the price stays at $19.99 regardless of whether two people or six people use it.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month for one person or $19.99 per month for a family plan covering up to six people.
- You watch through the Apple TV app on phones, tablets, computers, or televisions; the service has no web browser option.
- The library includes original Apple shows and films plus licensed content from other studios, but the catalog is smaller than Netflix or Disney+.
- You can cancel at any time with no contract, and cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle.
- Apple offers free trials through certain device purchases or carrier partnerships, but not a standard free trial for new subscribers.
What devices work with Apple TV+
Apple TV+ runs on iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, and Apple TV boxes. It also works on Samsung televisions, LG televisions, Amazon Fire TV devices, Roku devices, and Google Chromecast. You cannot watch Apple TV+ through a web browser on a computer — you must use the Apple TV app.
If you own an Apple device, the Apple TV app comes pre-installed. If you own a non-Apple device, you read the Apple TV app from that device's app store. The app is free to read; you only pay the monthly subscription fee.
How to sign up and pay
You create an Apple ID if you do not already have one. This is a free account that Apple uses to identify you across its services. You then open the Apple TV app, select "Subscribe to Apple TV+," and choose either the individual or family plan. Apple charges your payment method on the same date each month.
You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or an Apple Gift Card. If you have an Apple One bundle (which combines Apple TV+, Apple Music, iCloud storage, and other services), the monthly cost is lower than paying for each service separately — currently $16.95 per month for the individual plan or $24.95 per month for the family plan.
Some people receive Apple TV+ for free through device purchases. If you buy a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV, Apple sometimes includes three months of Apple TV+ at no cost. Certain mobile carriers, including T-Mobile and Verizon, also offer free Apple TV+ subscriptions to their customers. These offers change throughout the year.
What shows and films are available
Apple TV+ produces original series and films, meaning content made specifically for Apple. Examples include Ted Lasso, Severance, Foundation, and Slow Horses. Apple also licenses films and shows from other studios — you might find older movies, documentaries, or international content depending on your region.
The total number of titles on Apple TV+ is smaller than Netflix or Disney+. Apple does not publish exact numbers, but the library typically contains several hundred films and shows combined. New original content is added regularly, and older content is sometimes removed when licensing agreements end.
The content available varies by country. If you travel or move, you may see different shows and films in the Apple TV app. You can read episodes or films to watch offline on phones and tablets, but not on televisions or computers.
Picture and sound quality
Apple TV+ streams in 4K resolution (also called Ultra HD) on devices that support it, at no extra cost. The service also offers Dolby Vision, which is a type of high-contrast image technology, and Dolby Atmos, which is surround sound. Your device and internet connection must support these features for you to see or hear them.
The quality you actually receive depends on your internet speed. Apple recommends at least 25 megabits per second for 4K streaming. If your connection is slower, the app automatically reduces the quality to prevent buffering.
Canceling your subscription
You can cancel Apple TV+ at any time through the Apple TV app or through your Apple ID settings on the web. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle — you keep access until that date, then your subscription ends. Apple does not offer refunds for the current month if you cancel mid-cycle.
If you signed up through a carrier or device promotion, you may need to cancel through that carrier or service instead of through Apple directly. Check your original confirmation email to see where your subscription is managed.
Comparing Apple TV+ to other streaming services
| Service | Individual Plan | Family/Premium Plan | Ad-Supported Option | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV+ | $9.99/month | $19.99/month (6 people) | No | Varies by device purchase or carrier |
| Netflix | $6.99/month (ads) or $15.49/month (no ads) | $22.99/month (no ads, 4 people) | Yes | No standard trial |
| Disney+ | $7.99/month (ads) or $13.99/month (no ads) | $13.99/month (ads, 4 people) or $19.99/month (no ads, 4 people) | Yes | No standard trial |
| Max (HBO) | $9.99/month (ads) or $20.99/month (no ads) | Same as individual plan | Yes | No standard trial |
Apple TV+ is the only major streaming service without an ad-supported tier. Netflix, Disney+, and Max all offer cheaper plans that include advertisements. Apple TV+ also does not offer a standard free trial to new subscribers, though device purchases and carrier partnerships sometimes include free months.
The library size differs across services. Netflix and Disney+ have thousands of titles, while Apple TV+ has several hundred. Apple focuses on original content quality over quantity, so you may find fewer total options but more acclaimed original shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can multiple people watch at the same time on a family plan?
Yes. The family plan allows up to six people to watch simultaneously on different devices. Each person has their own profile and watch history. Apple does not limit how many devices can be logged in to one family account, only how many can stream at the same time.
What happens if I share my Apple TV+ password with someone 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. Apple does not currently enforce password sharing restrictions the way Netflix does, but this policy may change. The family plan is designed for people living together, so sharing with distant friends or family members technically violates the terms.
Do I need an Apple device to use Apple TV+?
No. Apple TV+ works on Samsung and LG televisions, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Google Chromecast. You need the Apple TV app, which is free to read on these devices. You do need an Apple ID to create and manage your account, but you do not need to own any Apple hardware.
Can I watch Apple TV+ offline?
You can read episodes and films to phones and tablets through the Apple TV app and watch them without an internet connection. You cannot read content on televisions or computers. Downloaded content expires after a set period, usually 30 days, and you must reconnect to the internet periodically to refresh your subscription.
Is there a student discount for Apple TV+?
Apple does not offer a separate student discount for Apple TV+ alone. However, students may receive discounts on Apple One bundles through Apple's education pricing, which combines Apple TV+, Apple Music, and iCloud storage at a lower rate than paying separately.