Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month or $99 per year if you pay upfront

Apple TV+ is a streaming service run by Apple that shows original shows, movies, and documentaries. The monthly plan costs $9.99 and renews every month. The yearly plan costs $99 and renews every 12 months. Both plans give you access to the same content — the only difference is how often you pay and whether you save money by paying annually.

You can watch on any device that has the Apple TV app: iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, Apple TV boxes, smart TVs from Samsung or LG, Roku devices, Amazon Fire TV devices, and some gaming consoles. You can stream on up to six devices at the same time with one account, though only one person can watch at a time on each device.

Apple also bundles Apple TV+ with other services. If you pay for Apple One, a bundle that includes iCloud storage, Apple Music, and Apple Arcade, the bundle starts at $16.95 per month and includes Apple TV+ at no extra cost. Some people get Apple TV+ free for three months when they buy a new Apple device, though this offer changes and is not may provide.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month or $99 per year, with no difference in content between the two plans.
  • You can watch on most devices including iPhones, smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, and gaming consoles, and stream on up to six devices at once.
  • Apple One bundles Apple TV+ with Apple Music, iCloud storage, and Apple Arcade starting at $16.95 per month, which may cost less than paying for services separately.
  • Some new Apple device purchases include three months of Apple TV+ free, though this promotion is not always available.
  • You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time without penalty.

How to start an Apple TV+ subscription

To start a subscription, open the Apple TV app on any device where you have an Apple ID signed in. Look for the Apple TV+ section and select the plan you want. You will be asked to confirm your payment method — Apple will charge your card on file when ready for the first month or year, then on the same date each month or year after that.

If you do not have an Apple device, you can also sign up on Apple's website at tv.apple.com. You will need an Apple ID to create an account. If you do not have one, you can make one for free using any email address.

Your subscription starts right away. You can begin watching shows and movies as soon as you finish signing up. If you signed up for the free trial that sometimes comes with a new device, that three-month period counts down from the day you set up it, not from the day you buy the device.

What content is included with Apple TV+

Apple TV+ includes original shows and movies made by Apple, plus some licensed content from other studios. The service does not include live TV, sports, or news channels. You cannot rent or buy individual movies or shows — everything included in your subscription is available to watch as many times as you want.

Apple releases new original shows and movies regularly throughout the year. Some shows release all episodes at once; others release one episode per week. You can read episodes to watch offline on phones and tablets, but not on computers or TV boxes.

The content library is smaller than Netflix or Disney+, so if you are looking for a specific older movie or show, it may not be there. Apple focuses on original content rather than a deep back catalog.

Comparing Apple TV+ to other streaming services

Apple TV+ at $9.99 per month is cheaper than Netflix's standard plan ($15.49 per month) and Disney+ ($7.99 per month for the ad-supported version or $13.99 for ad-free). However, Netflix and Disney+ have much larger libraries of older movies and shows. Apple TV+ has fewer total titles but focuses on newer original content.

If you already pay for other Apple services, Apple One may save you money. For example, if you use Apple Music ($10.99 per month), iCloud+ ($0.99 to $9.99 per month depending on storage), and Apple Arcade ($6.99 per month), buying them separately costs $18.97 to $28.97 per month. The Apple One bundle that includes all of these plus Apple TV+ starts at $16.95 per month.

Some people use Apple TV+ alongside other streaming services rather than as a replacement. You can pause your subscription for up to four months if you want to take a break without losing your watchlist or settings.

How to manage your subscription and billing

You can change your plan, pause your subscription, or cancel at any time through the Apple TV app or on Apple's website. Go to your account settings and look for subscription options. If you switch from monthly to yearly, Apple will credit any remaining balance from your monthly plan toward the yearly price.

Your payment method is tied to your Apple ID. If your card expires or is declined, Apple will try to charge it again a few days later. If payment fails after several attempts, your subscription will pause until you update your payment information.

You can see your billing date and next charge amount in your account settings. If you cancel, you keep access until the end of your current billing period — if you paid for a month, you can watch until that month ends. You will not be charged again after you cancel.

Free trials and promotions

Apple sometimes offers a free three-month trial when you buy a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, or Apple Watch. This offer is not always active and varies by region and device. You can check whether your device qualifies by opening the Apple TV app and looking for the offer in the Apple TV+ section.

The free trial period begins when you set up it, not when you buy the device. If you do not set up it within a certain time frame, the offer may expire. Once the three months end, you will be charged the full subscription price unless you cancel.

Apple occasionally runs promotions for existing customers, such as discounts on Apple One or extended free periods. These are announced through the Apple TV app and email, so check your account settings if you think you might be may be able to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Apple TV+ subscription with family members?

Yes, through Family Sharing. You can set up a family group with up to six people, and everyone gets access to the same Apple TV+ subscription. Each person has their own profile and watchlist. You manage Family Sharing through Settings on any Apple device.

What happens if I cancel my subscription?

You keep access until the end of your current billing period. After that, you cannot watch Apple TV+ content unless you subscribe again. Your profile and watchlist are saved for 30 days, so if you resubscribe within that time, your settings come back.

Is there an ad-supported version of Apple TV+ that costs less?

No. Apple TV+ does not have ads and does not offer a cheaper ad-supported tier. The $9.99 monthly and $99 yearly plans are the only options for Apple TV+ alone.

Can I watch Apple TV+ on my smart TV?

Yes, if your TV is made by Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, or another brand that has the Apple TV app built in. You can also watch on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, and some gaming consoles. Check the Apple TV app store on your TV to see if it is available.

Do I need an Apple device to use Apple TV+?

No. You can watch on Android phones, Windows computers, Roku, Fire TV, and many smart TVs. You only need an Apple ID to sign in, not an Apple device.