Apple TV Plus has carved out a unique space in the crowded streaming landscape. While it might not boast the sheer volume of content that giants like Netflix or Prime Video offer, Apple TV Plus distinguishes itself through a commitment to high-quality, critically acclaimed movies and TV shows. This focus on “quality over quantity,” coupled with collaborations with A-list talent, has solidified Apple TV Plus as a top-tier streaming service, even earning it the title of TechRadar’s Streaming Service of the Year for 2024, surpassing both Netflix and Prime Video.
If you’re considering joining the Apple TV Plus audience, understanding the cost is a crucial first step. This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about Apple TV Plus pricing, subscription options, and the value you can expect for your money. We’ll cover the monthly and annual costs, explore ways to potentially get Apple TV Plus for free, and help you determine if the service is the right fit for your entertainment needs.
Signing Up for Apple TV Plus: Getting Started
Apple TV Plus offers a straightforward sign-up process. (alt=”Apple TV Plus logo displayed on a Macbook Pro screen, showcasing the streaming service’s availability on Apple devices.”)
Becoming an Apple TV Plus subscriber is a breeze. To begin, simply navigate to the Apple TV Plus website. Once there, you’ll find clear subscription options, including the enticing possibility of a seven-day free trial for those new to the service. This trial period allows you to explore the Apple TV Plus library and experience its offerings firsthand before committing to a paid subscription.
For those already invested in the Apple ecosystem, consider Apple One. This bundled subscription provides a cost-effective way to access Apple TV Plus alongside other Apple services like Apple Music, Apple News Plus, and Apple Arcade, all for a single monthly fee. Apple One can be a particularly attractive option if you already utilize multiple Apple services.
Decoding the Apple TV Plus Price Tag: How Much Does it Cost?
Severance is a key draw for many Apple TV Plus subscribers, justifying the cost for its unique content. (alt=”Adam Scott in a scene from Severance season 2, highlighting the critically acclaimed Apple TV Plus show.”)
The standard Apple TV Plus cost is $9.99 per month in the US, £8.99 in the UK, and AU$12.99 in Australia. Opting for an annual subscription can provide savings, bringing the yearly price to $99.99 / £89.99 / AU$129.99. Choosing the annual plan essentially gives you two months of service for free compared to paying monthly.
It’s worth noting that Apple occasionally offers promotions. For instance, purchasing a new Apple device such as an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV can sometimes qualify you for a three-month free trial of Apple TV Plus. However, be sure to check the specific terms and conditions associated with these offers as they can vary.
For sports enthusiasts, specifically soccer fans, Apple TV Plus offers an add-on: the MLS Season Pass. This allows you to watch Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and every other Major League Soccer team’s games. The MLS Season Pass is an additional $14.99 / £14.99 / AU$22.99 per month.
While Apple TV Plus experienced price increases in October 2023, it remains ad-free and provides content in stunning 4K resolution. This distinguishes it from some competitors like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney Plus, which offer cheaper “with ads” tiers but require viewers to endure commercial breaks and may not always provide 4K streaming.
Comparing Apple TV Plus to Max, Max’s Ad-Lite tier is priced similarly to Apple TV Plus but boasts a larger content library. Interestingly, rumors suggest that Apple TV Plus might be considering introducing an ad-supported tier in the future. Should this materialize, it could make Apple TV Plus a more budget-friendly option, depending on the pricing of such a tier.
Apple TV Plus Free Trial: Is it Available?
Foundation exemplifies the high-caliber sci-fi programming on Apple TV Plus. (alt=”Lee Pace in Foundation, promoting one of the popular sci-fi series available on Apple TV Plus.”)
Yes, Apple TV Plus offers a seven-day free trial to new subscribers. This trial provides full access to the entire Apple TV Plus library, allowing you to binge-watch shows and explore movies without any initial cost.
Claiming your free trial is simple. Download the Apple TV app, which serves as the gateway to all Apple TV Plus content. Upon opening the app, you’ll typically be greeted with a prominent advertisement for Apple TV Plus and an invitation to start your free trial. Remember that this free trial is a one-time offer per account, so make the most of the week to explore the service and see if it aligns with your viewing preferences.
Devices Compatible with Apple TV Plus
Silo, starring Rebecca Ferguson, showcases the visually stunning and immersive storytelling found on Apple TV Plus. (alt=”Rebecca Ferguson as Juliette Nichols in Silo, illustrating the high-quality original content on Apple TV Plus.”)
Apple TV Plus aims for broad accessibility and is available on a wide range of devices in 2025, ensuring you can watch your favorite shows and movies on your preferred screen. Compatible devices include:
- Apple Devices: iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD
- Smart TVs: Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, LG Smart TVs, Sony Smart TVs, Vizio Smart TVs
- Streaming Devices: Roku devices, Android TV, Google TV
- Gaming Consoles: PS5, Xbox Series X
- Web Browsers: Desktop browsers
Apple TV Plus on Android Devices
While Apple has extended the Apple TV Plus app to Android TV devices via the Google Play Store, a dedicated Apple TV Plus app for Android mobile devices is not currently available. However, Android users can still enjoy Apple TV Plus content by accessing the service through a supported web browser. For detailed instructions, refer to guides on how to get Apple TV Plus on iOS and Android.
Understanding Apple TV Channels
In addition to Apple TV Plus, Apple offers Apple TV Channels. This feature aggregates various cable subscription services and streaming platforms, including Prime Video, within the Apple TV app. However, it’s important to note that Netflix is not integrated into Apple TV Channels. The availability of specific channels can vary by region. More information can be found in dedicated resources about Apple TV Plus channels.
Must-Watch Shows on Apple TV Plus: Quality Over Quantity
Ted Lasso became a cultural phenomenon and a flagship show for Apple TV Plus. (alt=”Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso, the award-winning comedy series and a major draw for Apple TV Plus subscribers.”)
Despite being a relatively young streaming service, Apple TV Plus has cultivated an impressive catalog of original, high-caliber TV shows. For a comprehensive overview, consult guides to the best Apple TV Plus shows. Here’s a quick look at some standout series worth watching right now:
- The Afterparty
- Bad Sisters
- Black Bird
- Criminal Record
- Dark Matter
- Five Days at Memorial
- For All Mankind
- Foundation
- Hijack
- Lessons in Chemistry
- Masters of the Air
- Monarch: Legacy of Monsters
- The Morning Show
- Mythic Quest
- Pachinko
- Physical
- Platonic
- Presumed Innocent
- Servant
- Severance
- Shrinking
- Silo
- Sugar
- Slow Horses
- Ted Lasso
- Trying
Top Movie Picks on Apple TV Plus: Award-Winning Films and Prestige Projects
Apple TV Plus is attracting top-tier directors like Martin Scorsese, resulting in critically acclaimed films. (alt=”Lily Gladstone and Leonardo DiCaprio in Killers of the Flower Moon, a prestige film demonstrating Apple TV Plus’s investment in high-caliber movies.”)
While Apple TV Plus’s movie library may not rival the vastness of some other streaming services, it prioritizes quality cinematic experiences. Notably, Apple’s CODA made history by being the first film produced by a streaming service to win the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2022.
Since then, Apple has continued to invest in high-profile films, backing projects like Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon. These films are featured in guides to the best Martin Scorsese movies and best Ridley Scott movies, respectively, demonstrating Apple’s commitment to prestige filmmaking.
Here’s a selection of notable movies currently available on Apple TV Plus. For a more extensive list, explore guides to the best Apple TV movies.
- Blitz
- Causeway
- Cha Cha Real Smooth
- CODA
- Fancy Dance
- Flora and Son
- Fly Me to the Moon
- Killers of the Flower Moon
- On the Rocks
- Palmer
- Past Lives
- Spirited
- Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie
- Swan Song
- Tetris
- The Tragedy Of Macbeth
- The Velveteen Rabbit
- Wolfs
- Wolfwalkers
- You Hurt My Feelings
Apple TV Plus vs. Competitors: Defining the Difference
Wolfs, starring Brad Pitt and George Clooney, highlights the star power and genre diversity on Apple TV Plus. (alt=”Brad Pitt and George Clooney starring in Wolfs, an example of the star-studded films coming to Apple TV Plus.”)
Unlike Netflix and many of its rivals, Apple TV Plus primarily focuses on original content rather than a vast library of licensed shows and movies. However, as reported by TechRadar in November 2022, Apple TV Plus has begun to experiment with incorporating third-party content. You can find a selection of licensed films and even some classic TV shows like Fraggle Rock and Charlie Brown cartoons on the platform.
Apple TV Plus has also expanded its licensed movie offerings in the US, adding over 50 licensed movies and another 30 classic movies through deals with studios like Universal, Sony, and Warner Bros. Pictures. Generally, accessing content beyond Apple TV Plus originals requires purchasing through iTunes or utilizing other services within Apple TV Channels.
For further insights into Apple TV Plus content, explore guides on Foundation season 3, Severance season 2, Ted Lasso season 4, and Slow Horses season 5.
In conclusion, while “How Much Is Apple Tv” is a straightforward question with a clear price point, understanding the value proposition of Apple TV Plus requires considering its unique focus on quality original content, ad-free viewing experience, and 4K streaming. Whether the price aligns with your entertainment budget and preferences is a personal decision, but hopefully, this guide has provided you with the information needed to make an informed choice.
