What an Apple TV+ annual subscription costs and includes

Apple TV+ charges one flat rate per year for unlimited streaming of all shows and movies in their catalog. As of now, the annual plan costs $119 per year in the United States, though this price varies by country and can change. You pay once a year instead of monthly, and you get the same content access as someone paying month-to-month — no restrictions on what you can watch or how many times you can watch it.

The annual plan includes ad-free viewing. You stream on up to six devices at the same time from a single account, and you can create up to six user profiles within that account so family members have separate watch histories and recommendations. Downloaded shows and movies work on your devices even without an internet connection, which is useful for travel or commuting.

Apple TV+ does not include live television, sports, or news channels. It is a catalog of original series, films, and licensed content that Apple has purchased the rights to stream. The catalog changes — some titles expire and new ones are added regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • An Apple TV+ annual subscription costs $119 per year in the US and gives you ad-free access to the entire catalog for 12 months.
  • You can stream on up to six devices at once and create six separate profiles, so multiple people in a household can use one account.
  • The annual plan is cheaper than paying monthly ($9.99 per month × 12 = $119.88), so you save about 99 cents per year if you plan to watch year-round.
  • You can download shows and movies to watch offline, and you can cancel anytime without penalty.
  • Apple TV+ does not include live TV, sports, or news — only on-demand shows and films.

How to purchase an annual subscription

You buy an Apple TV+ annual subscription through the Apple TV app, which is built into most Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV hardware). You can also sign up through the Apple TV website on any computer or phone. When you open the app or visit the website, look for the subscription or pricing section and select the annual plan option.

You need an Apple ID to purchase. If you do not have one, you create it for free with an email address and password. Payment goes to the payment method linked to your Apple ID — usually a credit card, debit card, or Apple Gift Card. The subscription renews automatically one year later on the same date you purchased it, unless you cancel before the renewal date.

Some people get Apple TV+ included free for a limited time when they buy certain Apple hardware (like an iPhone, iPad, or Mac). If you are in that situation, you can still purchase an annual plan to extend your access beyond the free period, or you can wait until the free period ends and then purchase.

Annual versus monthly pricing and when each makes sense

The monthly plan costs $9.99 per month with no commitment — you can cancel after one month. The annual plan costs $119 per year, which works out to about $9.92 per month if you keep it for the full year. The annual plan saves you less than a dollar per year compared to monthly, so the choice is not primarily about price.

Choose the annual plan if you know you will use Apple TV+ for the full 12 months and you want to lock in the price. Choose the monthly plan if you are unsure whether you will keep the subscription, want to try it first, or plan to cancel within a few months. You can switch from monthly to annual at any time, and the cost adjusts based on how much time is left on your current plan.

Some people use Apple TV+ seasonally — for example, to watch one show when it airs, then cancel. For that pattern, monthly is simpler because you do not have to remember to cancel before the renewal date. If you forget to cancel an annual subscription, you are charged for another full year.

What happens when your subscription renews or expires

Your annual subscription renews automatically on the same calendar date each year. Apple sends you an email receipt a few days before the renewal date, so you have time to cancel if you want to. If you do nothing, your payment method is charged $119 and your subscription continues for another year.

If your payment method fails (for example, your credit card expires or is declined), Apple tries again over several days. If payment ultimately fails, your subscription pauses rather than canceling — you lose access to streaming, but your account and watch history stay saved. Once you update your payment method, your subscription resumes immediately.

If you cancel before the renewal date, your access continues until the end of your current 12-month period. You do not get a refund for the unused portion. After your subscription ends, you can resubscribe at any time, and your watch history and profiles remain on your account for at least a few months.

Sharing an account and managing multiple profiles

One Apple TV+ subscription can be used by up to six people at the same time on different devices. Each person can have their own profile with a separate watch history, recommendations, and saved shows. This is useful for families or roommates who want to watch different things without affecting each other's recommendations.

To add a profile, open the Apple TV app, go to your account settings, and select the option to create a new profile. You can name it and choose an icon. Each profile can be password-protected if you want to prevent others from using it or changing its settings.

Apple's terms of service state that subscriptions are for use within a single household. If you share your account with people outside your home, Apple may restrict or cancel the account. In practice, enforcement is inconsistent, but the risk exists. If someone outside your household wants to watch, they would need their own subscription.

Canceling your subscription and what to know about refunds

You cancel an Apple TV+ subscription through the Apple TV app or the Apple website. Go to your account settings, find the subscription section, and select the option to cancel. The cancellation takes effect immediately, but your access continues until the end of your current billing period (the end of your 12-month year if you have an annual plan).

Apple does not issue refunds for unused time on an annual subscription. If you cancel three months into a 12-month plan, you lose access to the remaining nine months of paid time. This is why it is important to cancel before your renewal date if you do not want to be charged again.

If you cancel and then change your mind, you can resubscribe at any time. Your watch history, profiles, and saved shows are usually preserved for several months after cancellation, though Apple does not may provide this indefinitely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Apple TV+ subscription on non-Apple devices?

Yes. The Apple TV app is available on many devices including Samsung and LG smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox, and Android phones and tablets. You sign in with the same Apple ID you used to purchase the subscription. The app works the same way across all devices.

What if I buy an Apple device and get free Apple TV+ included?

The free period is usually three months. When it ends, you are not automatically charged — your access simply stops. You can then purchase an annual or monthly plan if you want to continue. If you already have a paid subscription, the free period is added to your account, extending your access.

Can I get my money back if I cancel within a certain number of days?

Apple's standard policy does not include a refund period for subscriptions. However, if you cancel within 15 minutes of purchasing, you may be able to request a refund through Apple Support. After that window, refunds are not automatic. Contact Apple Support if you believe you were charged in error.

Does the annual plan include any extra features the monthly plan does not?

No. Both plans give you the same streaming quality, the same number of simultaneous streams (six), the same ability to download content, and the same ad-free viewing. The only difference is the price per month and the commitment length.

What if my internet goes out — can I still watch?

Only if you have downloaded the show or movie beforehand. The Apple TV app lets you download content to your device while connected to the internet, and you can watch it offline anytime. Downloaded content takes up storage space on your device, and it expires after a certain period (usually 30 days) unless you refresh your subscription by connecting to the internet.