Apple TV+ is a streaming service that costs $9.99 per month for one person, or $19.99 per month for a family plan that covers up to six people

Apple TV+ is owned and operated by Apple. You watch shows and films through the Apple TV app on your phone, tablet, computer, or television. The service includes original content made by Apple — series like Ted Lasso, Severance, and Foundation — plus licensed films and shows from other studios. There is no free tier and no ads, even on the cheapest plan.

The individual plan ($9.99 per month) lets one person watch on one device at a time. The family plan ($19.99 per month) lets up to six people each have their own account and watch simultaneously on different devices. Both plans include the same content library; the difference is only in the number of accounts and concurrent streams.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV+ costs $9.99 monthly for one account or $19.99 monthly for up to six family accounts with shared content.
  • You watch through the Apple TV app on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and some streaming devices like Roku and Fire TV.
  • The service includes only Apple's original shows and films plus licensed content; it does not include movies from theaters or sports events.
  • If you own an Apple device, you may be able to bundle Apple TV+ with Apple Music and iCloud+ storage at a lower combined price through Apple One.
  • You can cancel anytime with no contract or early termination fee.

What devices can play Apple TV+

You can watch on any device that runs the Apple TV app. That includes iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, and Apple TVs. You can also watch on Android phones and tablets, Windows computers, and smart TVs made by Samsung, LG, Sony, and others. Streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Google Chromecast support the app as well.

The app is free to download. You sign in with your Apple ID — the same account you use for iCloud, the App Store, or iTunes. If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one for free on Apple's website or during app setup.

What's included and what's not

Apple TV+ includes original series and films produced by Apple Studios, plus licensed content from other studios. The library changes monthly as new shows premiere and older titles rotate out. You can browse the full catalog in the app before you pay, so you can see whether the current selection interests you.

Apple TV+ does not include theatrical releases on the day they come out in cinemas. It does not include live sports, news, or reality competition shows like The Bachelor. It does not include content from Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, or other competing services. If you want a broader range of content, you would need to pay for multiple services separately.

Bundling Apple TV+ with other Apple services

Apple offers a bundle called Apple One that combines Apple TV+, Apple Music, and iCloud+ storage at a lower total price than paying for each separately. The Individual plan ($16.95 per month) includes Apple TV+, Apple Music, and 50 GB of iCloud storage. The Family plan ($25.95 per month) covers up to six people and includes 200 GB of shared iCloud storage.

There is also a Premier tier ($34.95 per month) that adds Apple News+ and Apple Arcade, a gaming subscription. You do not have to bundle; you can pay for Apple TV+ alone. But if you already use Apple Music or need iCloud storage, bundling usually costs less than separate subscriptions.

How to start and stop your subscription

To start, download the Apple TV app, sign in with your Apple ID, and select the plan you want. You will be asked to confirm a payment method — a credit card, debit card, or Apple Gift Card. Your subscription begins immediately, and you can start watching right away.

To cancel, open the Apple TV app, go to your account settings, find the subscription section, and select "Cancel Subscription." You will be asked to confirm. Your access ends at the end of your current billing cycle; you do not lose access immediately. There is no penalty for canceling, and you can restart anytime by signing back in and selecting a plan again.

Comparing Apple TV+ to other streaming services

Apple TV+ is smaller than Netflix or Disney+ in terms of total content, but it focuses on original series and films rather than licensed reruns. If you want a large library of older shows and movies, Netflix or Disney+ may offer more. If you want sports or live events, you would need ESPN+ or a cable subscription. If you want HBO's films and series, you need HBO Max.

The price of $9.99 per month is lower than Netflix's standard plan (which costs more and includes ads on the cheapest tier) and comparable to Disney+ and HBO Max. The family plan at $19.99 per month is competitive for households with multiple viewers. The choice depends on which shows and films matter to you, not on price alone.

Student and carrier discounts

Apple offers Apple TV+ free for three months to students who have a valid .edu email address and an active Apple Music Student subscription. After the three months, the service costs $5.99 per month for students.

Some wireless carriers, including Verizon and T-Mobile, include Apple TV+ free or at a discount with certain phone plans. The offer varies by plan and carrier, so check your carrier's website or call to see whether you are included. If you are, the service is usually free for a year, then reverts to the standard price unless you cancel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Apple TV+ on my TV if I don't have an Apple TV box?

Yes. If your TV is a smart TV made by Samsung, LG, Sony, or another major brand, you can download the Apple TV app directly onto it. If your TV is older or does not have the app built in, you can use a Roku, Fire TV, or Google Chromecast device plugged into your TV's HDMI port.

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

No. You can watch on Android phones, Windows computers, and non-Apple smart TVs and streaming devices. You do need an Apple ID to sign in, but creating one is free and does not require owning any Apple hardware.

Can multiple people watch at the same time on the family plan?

Yes. The family plan ($19.99 per month) allows up to six people to each have their own account and watch on different devices at the same time. The individual plan ($9.99 per month) allows only one stream at a time.

What happens if I cancel and then want to resubscribe later?

You can restart your subscription anytime by signing back into the Apple TV app and selecting a plan. Your previous watch history and preferences are saved to your account, so you can pick up where you left off.

Is there a way to watch Apple TV+ for free?

Apple offers a free three-month trial to students with a valid .edu email and an Apple Music Student subscription. Some wireless carriers also include free Apple TV+ for a year with certain phone plans. Otherwise, the service requires a paid subscription.