What Apple TV+ is and what you get for the monthly fee

Apple TV+ is a streaming service run by Apple that shows TV shows and movies you can watch on demand. You pay a monthly subscription fee and get access to Apple's original content — shows and films made or licensed by Apple — plus some licensed content from other studios. You watch through the Apple TV app, which works on iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, Apple TV devices, and many smart TVs and streaming boxes.

The service does not include live TV, sports, or news channels. It is a catalog of on-demand programs only. You can watch as much as you want during your subscription month, pause and resume shows, and download episodes to watch offline on some devices.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month as a standalone subscription, though the price may vary by country and Apple sometimes raises it.
  • You can watch on multiple devices at the same time if you share a family plan, and each person can have their own profile and watch history.
  • Apple offers a free trial period for new subscribers, though the length varies — check Apple's current offer when you sign up.
  • The service works on Apple devices, many Android phones and tablets, smart TVs from Samsung and LG, Roku, Fire TV, and some gaming consoles.
  • You can cancel anytime without penalty, and your access stops at the end of the billing period you have already paid for.

Monthly cost and payment options

Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month in the United States if you buy it as a standalone subscription. The price in other countries varies — Apple publishes the local price on its website for your region. Apple has raised the price once since the service launched in 2019, so the cost may change in the future.

You pay through your Apple ID, which means the charge goes to the payment method you have on file with Apple — usually a credit card, debit card, or Apple Gift Card. If you use a family plan, you pay one monthly fee and up to six people can use the account. Each person gets their own profile, watch history, and recommendations.

Apple also bundles Apple TV+ with other services. If you subscribe to Apple One, a bundle that includes iCloud storage and Apple Music, the cost is lower than paying for each service separately. The bundle price varies depending on which services you include.

Free trial and how to start

Apple offers a free trial to new subscribers, though the length of the trial changes. As of now, the trial period is typically one month, but Apple has offered shorter and longer trials at different times. Check the current offer on Apple's website or in the Apple TV app before you sign up, because the trial length is not may provide to stay the same.

To start, you need an Apple ID. If you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you already have one. If you do not, you can create one on Apple's website for free. Open the Apple TV app, go to the account section, and follow the prompts to start your trial. Your free month begins immediately, and you will not be charged until the trial ends.

What devices you can watch on

Apple TV+ works on a wide range of devices, not just Apple products. You can watch on iPhones and iPads running iOS 12.3 or later, Mac computers running macOS 10.14 or later, and Apple TV boxes (4th generation and newer). You can also watch on many smart TVs — Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio models support the Apple TV app. Streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Google Chromecast work with Apple TV+.

Some gaming consoles also support the service, including PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X/S. If you are not sure whether your device is compatible, search for "Apple TV app" and your device name on Apple's support site, or check your device's app store to see if the Apple TV app is available.

Simultaneous streams and family sharing

With a single Apple TV+ subscription, you can watch on multiple devices at the same time. The number of simultaneous streams varies — Apple allows several people to watch at once, though the exact limit is not published. In practice, most households do not hit this limit unless many people are watching at the same time.

If you use a family plan, each of the up to six family members can have their own profile. This means separate watch histories, recommendations, and parental controls. Parents can set age restrictions on certain profiles to prevent children from seeing mature content. Each person's viewing does not affect what others see in their recommendations.

Canceling your subscription

You can cancel Apple TV+ anytime through your Apple ID settings or the Apple TV app. Go to Account, then Subscriptions, find Apple TV+, and select Cancel. There is no penalty for canceling, and you keep access until the end of the billing period you have already paid for. If you cancel mid-month, you do not get a refund for the unused portion.

If you signed up through a trial, canceling before the trial ends stops the trial and prevents the first charge. If you cancel after the trial ends, your last charge was the most recent monthly fee, and you lose access when that month is over. You can resubscribe anytime and start a new trial if you are may be able to access.

Content and what changes month to month

Apple TV+ focuses on original shows and films — content made by Apple or exclusive to the platform. The catalog includes drama series, comedies, documentaries, and films. Apple adds new content regularly, usually several titles per month. The exact titles available change over time as Apple adds new releases and removes older licensed content.

You can browse the full catalog in the Apple TV app to see what is currently available. The app lets you search by genre, see what is new, and read descriptions and reviews before you watch. You can also add shows and movies to a watchlist so you remember what you want to see.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Apple TV+ account with people outside my household?

Apple's terms of service state that your account is for your personal use and household members. Sharing with people who do not live with you violates the terms. Apple has not aggressively enforced this, but the company reserves the right to limit or cancel accounts that share outside the household.

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

No. While Apple TV+ works best on Apple devices, you can watch on Android phones and tablets, most smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, and gaming consoles. You need an Apple ID to sign in, but you do not need to own an Apple device.

What happens to my watch history if I cancel and resubscribe later?

Your watch history and profile are tied to your Apple ID. If you cancel and come back later, your history and watchlist will still be there when you sign back in, as long as you use the same Apple ID.

Can I download shows to watch offline?

Yes, you can download episodes and films to your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV device and watch them without an internet connection. The download feature is not available on all devices — check the Apple TV app on your device to see if downloads are supported.

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

As of now, Apple TV+ does not offer an ad-supported tier. The service is ad-free at the standard price. This may change in the future, but there is currently no cheaper option with ads.