What an Apple TV+ annual subscription costs and covers
Apple TV+ charges a flat annual rate for a year of streaming access to its original shows, films, and sports content. As of now, the annual plan costs $119 per year in the United States, though this price has changed in the past and may change again. You pay once and get twelve months of access; the subscription renews automatically on the same date each year unless you cancel it.
The annual plan gives you the same content access as the monthly option — you watch the same shows and films, use the same apps, and can stream on the same number of devices at once. The main difference is cost: paying annually works out to roughly $10 per month, while the monthly plan costs $12.99 per month. If you watch regularly, the annual plan saves you money over the course of a year.
Apple TV+ includes original series like Severance and Ted Lasso, films, documentaries, and sports programming through its partnership with Major League Soccer. You also get access to Apple TV Channels if you want to add premium services like Paramount+ or Showtime, though those cost extra.
Key Takeaways
- An Apple TV+ annual subscription costs $119 per year in the US and renews automatically each year on your billing date.
- The annual plan gives you the same content and streaming rights as the monthly plan, but costs less per month if you calculate it out.
- You can stream on up to six devices at the same time, and family members can each have their own profile and watch history.
- You can cancel your subscription at any time, and your access ends on your next renewal date — you do not get a refund for unused time.
- Prices vary by country and have increased over time, so check your account settings to see what you are currently being charged.
How to buy an Apple TV+ annual subscription
You can start an Apple TV+ annual subscription through the Apple TV app on any device, through your Apple ID account settings on apple.com, or through the Apple TV app on a smart TV, phone, tablet, or computer. You need an active Apple ID and a valid payment method on file.
When you sign up, Apple will ask you to choose between the monthly and annual plans. Select the annual option and confirm your payment method. Your subscription begins immediately, and you will receive a confirmation email with your renewal date. If you already have a monthly subscription, you can switch to annual billing through your account settings — Apple will prorate the cost so you do not pay twice for overlapping time.
Some people receive Apple TV+ as part of an Apple One bundle, which combines Apple TV+, Apple Music, iCloud+ storage, and other services into a single annual or monthly payment. If you have an Apple One subscription, you already have Apple TV+ included and do not need to pay separately.
What devices you can use and how many people can watch
Apple TV+ works on iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, Apple TVs, and many smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and other manufacturers. You can also watch through a web browser at tv.apple.com. The app is free to download; you only pay for the subscription itself.
Your subscription allows up to six family members to each have their own profile, watch history, and recommendations. Each person can watch on their own device at the same time — so two people can stream different shows simultaneously without interrupting each other. Family members do not need to share an Apple ID; they can use their own accounts and still access the subscription through Family Sharing.
If you travel or use a device outside your home, you can still watch, but Apple may ask you to verify your identity periodically. Sharing your login with people outside your household violates Apple's terms of service, though enforcement is inconsistent.
How to manage your subscription and billing
You can view your subscription status, renewal date, and payment method through Settings on any Apple device, or through your Apple ID account at appleid.apple.com. From there you can update your payment information, change your billing address, or switch between monthly and annual plans.
Your renewal date is the same date each year that you first subscribed. For example, if you start on March 15, your subscription renews on March 15 of the following year. Apple will charge your payment method automatically on that date unless you cancel before then.
If your payment method fails or expires, Apple will attempt to charge you again using backup payment methods on file. If all payment attempts fail, your subscription will be suspended until you update your billing information. You will not lose your profile or watch history during a suspension, but you cannot stream new content.
Canceling your subscription and what happens to your access
You can cancel your Apple TV+ subscription at any time through your account settings on any device or at appleid.apple.com. Cancellation takes effect immediately in your account, but your access continues until your next renewal date. You do not receive a refund for the unused portion of your annual subscription.
For example, if you paid for a full year on January 1 and cancel on June 1, you can still watch until January 1 of the next year. After that date, your access ends and you cannot stream unless you resubscribe.
If you cancel and then resubscribe later, you start a new subscription period from the date you resubscribe. Your old watch history and profiles remain in your account, so you can pick up where you left off, but you will not get a refund for the time you were not subscribed.
How annual pricing compares to other options
The annual plan at $119 per year breaks down to roughly $9.92 per month. The monthly plan costs $12.99 per month, which adds up to $155.88 per year if you pay month-to-month. Over a full year, the annual plan saves you about $36.
Some people find the monthly plan more flexible if they only watch occasionally or want to pause during months when they are not using the service. Others prefer the annual plan if they watch regularly and want to lock in a lower rate. There is no penalty for switching between plans, and Apple prorates the cost if you change mid-cycle.
Apple One bundles offer another option: the individual Apple One plan includes Apple TV+, Apple Music, and 50 GB of iCloud+ storage for $16.95 per month or $169.95 per year. If you use multiple Apple services, a bundle may cost less than paying for each separately.
Price changes and what to expect
Apple has raised Apple TV+ prices several times since the service launched in 2019. The annual plan has increased from $99 to its current $119. When Apple raises prices, existing subscribers are usually notified by email before the increase takes effect on their next renewal date.
You will not be charged the new price until your subscription renews. If you want to lock in the current rate, you can renew early by paying for another year before the price increase takes effect, though Apple does not always announce price increases in advance.
Prices also vary by country. In Canada, the UK, Australia, and other regions, the annual cost is different and is charged in local currency. If you travel or move, check your account settings to see what you are being charged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my Apple TV+ subscription with people who do not live with me?
Apple's terms allow family members to share a subscription through Family Sharing, which is designed for people in the same household. Sharing your login with people outside your home violates the terms of service. Apple does not consistently enforce this, but the company has stated it may limit sharing in the future.
What happens if I do not cancel before my renewal date?
Your subscription will renew automatically and you will be charged for another year. Apple sends a reminder email before the renewal date, but it is your responsibility to cancel if you do not want to be charged. Once you are charged, you cannot get a refund, but you can cancel immediately and your access will continue until the end of that billing period.
Can I switch from monthly to annual without losing my watch history?
Yes. Your profile, watch history, and recommendations stay with your account when you change plans. You can switch through your account settings, and Apple will prorate the cost so you do not pay for overlapping time. The change takes effect immediately.
Do I need an Apple device to watch Apple TV+?
No. You can watch on Android phones and tablets, smart TVs from most manufacturers, and through a web browser at tv.apple.com. You only need an Apple ID to sign in; you do not need to own an Apple device.
What if I want to pause my subscription instead of canceling?
Apple does not offer a pause feature. You can only cancel or keep your subscription active. If you cancel and want to resubscribe later, you can do so at any time, but you will start a new billing cycle and will not get back any unused time from your previous subscription.