Apple TV+ launched in November 2019 in an effort to compete with the likes of Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Hulu. Unlike most other streaming services, which typically mix third-party content with their own, Apple TV+ exclusively hosts "Apple Originals"—TV shows, documentaries, and movies that Apple commissions.
Let's go through what you can find on Apple TV+, how much it costs, how to access it, and whether we think it's worth the bang for your buck.
What Is Apple TV+?
Apple TV+ is Apple's own video streaming service, home of original movies, documentaries, and TV shows including The Morning Show, See, Ted Lasso, and Greyhound. Its content catalogue is nowhere near as extensive as those offered by its rivals, but that's reflected in its monthly subscription cost of just $4.99, making Apple TV+ one of the most affordable streaming services not supported by ads.
Apple TV app vs. Apple TV+
A common point of confusion among those not already deeply entrenched in the Apple ecosystem is the similarity between its products' names—specifically, the Apple TV app and the new Apple TV+ service.
The Apple TV app is the main hub for your movies and TV shows. It's a free app that you'll find pre-installed on Apple devices as well as supported by third-party set-top boxes, smart TVs, and games consoles. It hosts any movies or video content you've purchased through iTunes, and provides access to content from other streaming services you may have downloaded or subscribed to, including Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock, AMC+, Prime Video, Showtime, and Disney+ on Apple TV. In some regions, the Apple TV app provides access to live sports coverage.
Apple TV+, on the other hand, is Apple's video streaming service—or to put it simply, its own version of Netflix. Although it's accessible from inside the Apple TV app, it is a separate product. Apple TV+ requires a subscription, like other streaming services, but unlike many others, it ONLY offers Apple-produced original shows and movies.
Apple TV+ Shows and Movies
Though Apple TV+ offers a smaller catalogue than rival services, its content selection is consistently growing and includes many critically acclaimed shows and movies that have received various awards since its introduction. These include:
Ted Lasso, a hit comedy series about an American football coach who heads to London to manage a struggling British soccer team, starring Jason Sudeikis.
The Morning Show, a drama series that takes a look inside the lives of popular news anchors who wake America up in the morning, starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Billy Crudup.
See, a series that visualizes a dystopian future in which the human race has lost its sense of sight, starring Jason Momoa.
Greyhound, a World War II movie based on a true story in which a U.S. Navy commander lacks experience and must lead an allied convoy being stalked by German submarines, starring Tom Hanks.
Apple TV+ is also home to Helpsters, Little Voice, Trying, Ghost Writer, Beastie Boys Story, Little America, Mythic Quest, Wolfwalkers, and many more.
Apple TV+ Price
The service requires a subscription, priced from $4.99/month, and is available across all Apple devices—as well as third-party set-top boxes, smart TVs, and games consoles. The Fruit offers a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+, which can extend to a generous 3 months for those who purchase a new Apple device and redeem the offer within 90 days. Apple TV+ is also available with Apple One (a bundle that includes Apple Arcade, Fitness+, iCloud+, Music, News+, and TV+) from $14.95/month, with a 1-month free trial.
How to Watch Apple TV+
Accessing Apple TV+ is easy, no matter whether you have an Apple device—including Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, and Mac—or supported third-party hardware like Amazon's Fire TV devices, Google TV devices, Roku, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles, and select smart TV sets from Samsung, LG, Vizio, Sony, and others.
Watch Apple TV+ on an Apple device
To watch Apple TV+ on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, or through your Apple TV streaming hardware connected to your television, simply navigate to the Apple TV app and scroll until you see the Apple TV+ symbol or choose Apple TV+ from the top navigation bar. Make sure you're signed into your Apple ID—you'll be prompted to create one if you haven't yet set one up.
Watch Apple TV+ on a TV streaming device
If you have a Roku, Playstation, smart TV, or other non-Apple device, watching Apple TV+ is still quite simple. Head to your device or service's app store and download the Apple TV+ app. Then simply set up a subscription—including creating an Apple ID, if you don't already have an Apple account—and you're ready to go!
Is Apple TV+ Worth It?
After two years of debuting original shows and movies, Apple TV+ has become an excellent value for money. Its growing catalogue of quality titles is garnering awards and nominations left and right (with Ted Lasso recently sweeping all of its Emmy categories). You’ll be able to find something to watch whether you're into drama, comedies, thrillers, or true stories.
To best find out whether Apple TV+ is worth it for you, we recommend taking advantage of its free trial to view some of its most popular shows and movies, such as The Morning Show, Cherry, and Defending Jacob—all of which should have you hooked. After that, you’re just a small monthly fee away from being able to watch as much Apple TV+ content as you like.
Apple TV+ FAQs
What's included in Apple TV+?
Apple TV+ features a growing catalogue of popular titles, including Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, See, Defending Jacob, For All Mankind, Mythic Quest, and Central Park.
Is there a free trial of Apple TV+?
Yes, Apple offers a 7-day free trial to new Apple TV+ subscribers. You can extend the trial period by up to three months if you buy an Apple product and redeem the offer within 90 days. You can also access Apple TV+ through the Apple One subscription bundle, which offers a 1-month free trial.
Can I watch Apple TV+ on Android?
There is no Apple TV app for Android, which means you cannot access Apple TV+. However, Apple TV+ is available on Android TV and Google TV devices.
How do I cancel Apple TV+?
You can easily cancel your Apple TV+ subscription by:
- Opening the App Store on any Apple device.
- Tapping your photo in the top-right corner of the Today page.
- Selecting Subscriptions, then Apple TV+, then tapping Cancel Subscription.
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