Where free or reduced Apple TV+ access actually comes from
Apple TV+ itself does not offer a free tier or a free trial anymore — Apple ended the three-month trial in late 2022. But you can still watch Apple TV+ without paying the full subscription price through a handful of real routes: bundled offers from phone carriers, internet providers, or device purchases; free trials that come with specific Apple hardware; or shared family plans where someone else covers the cost.
The most common way people get free or cheap Apple TV+ is through a bundle. Verizon, T-Mobile, and some cable and internet providers include Apple TV+ as part of their service packages. The specifics change by provider and by plan tier, so you need to check your own bill or call your provider directly to know whether you have it. A few retailers also run limited-time offers where buying an Apple device — an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV box — includes a free subscription for a set period, usually three to six months.
Key Takeaways
- Wireless carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile include Apple TV+ with certain phone plans, though which plans and for how long varies by carrier and changes over time.
- Internet and cable providers sometimes bundle Apple TV+ into their service packages; you can find out by checking your bill or calling customer service.
- Buying an Apple device — iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV box — often comes with three to six months of free Apple TV+, but the offer depends on which device and when you buy it.
- Family sharing lets you add up to five other people to one Apple TV+ subscription, splitting the cost if you coordinate with others.
- Apple occasionally runs promotions tied to specific events or seasons; checking Apple's official website or your carrier's promotions page is the only reliable way to know what is current.
Bundled subscriptions through phone and internet providers
Verizon includes Apple TV+ with certain Fios internet plans and some wireless plans. T-Mobile includes it with certain phone plans, though the offer has changed multiple times over the past few years. AT&T and some regional cable and internet providers have also offered it at various points. The catch is that these offers are not permanent — they change based on promotions, plan changes, and company decisions. You cannot rely on an offer staying the same year to year.
To find out whether your current plan includes Apple TV+, log into your provider's account online or call their customer service line. Ask specifically whether Apple TV+ is included and, if it is, whether it is included for a limited time or indefinitely. If you are a new customer, ask whether any current promotions add Apple TV+ to your plan. If you are an existing customer and it is not included, ask whether switching to a different plan tier would add it — sometimes the cost difference is small enough to make it worthwhile.
Free trials bundled with Apple devices
When you buy a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or Apple TV box, Apple often includes a free subscription to Apple TV+ for a set period. The length varies — it is usually three to six months — and the offer changes depending on which device you buy and when. Not every device purchase comes with the offer, and the promotion may not be running at the moment you buy.
If you are buying an Apple device, ask the retailer or Apple directly whether the purchase includes Apple TV+. The offer should be mentioned at checkout or in the product listing. If you already own an Apple device and bought it recently, check your Apple ID settings to see whether a free trial is attached to your account. Go to Settings, tap your name, select Subscriptions, and look for Apple TV+. If a trial is active, it will show the end date.
Family sharing and splitting the cost
One Apple TV+ subscription can be shared with up to five other people through Apple's Family Sharing feature. This means six people total can watch on the same account. If you coordinate with family members or friends, you can split the monthly cost — roughly $12 per month in most regions — among all of you, bringing the per-person cost down significantly.
To set up Family Sharing, the person paying for the subscription goes to Settings, taps their name, selects Family Sharing, and adds family members by email or phone number. Those people then accept the invitation and can watch Apple TV+ on their own devices. Everyone sees the same library, and you can set up separate profiles so viewing history and recommendations stay separate. The main account holder controls the subscription and can remove people at any time.
Temporary promotions and seasonal offers
Apple runs promotional offers tied to specific times of year or events — sometimes around the holidays, sometimes when launching a new show or film. These promotions are usually advertised on Apple's website, through email if you are signed up for Apple's mailing list, or through partner companies. They are not permanent and do not appear on a regular schedule, so there is no way to predict when the next one will run.
If you are looking for a current promotion, check Apple's official website directly and look for any banner or announcement about Apple TV+. You can also check whether your phone carrier or internet provider is running a promotion — they sometimes offer limited-time Apple TV+ deals to new or existing customers. These offers typically last a few weeks or months and then end.
What happens when a free period ends
When a free trial or bundled subscription period ends, Apple will ask you to pay the full monthly price to keep watching. If you do not pay, your access stops. You will not be able to watch any shows or films, and your profile and viewing history will be frozen until you resubscribe.
If you are sharing a family plan and the person paying decides to cancel, everyone on that plan loses access. If you are on a carrier bundle and you switch carriers or change your plan, the bundle may end. There is usually no warning beyond what the original offer stated, so keep track of when your free period is set to end and decide in advance whether you want to pay or cancel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Apple TV+ offer a free trial right now?
Apple ended its standard free trial in late 2022, so there is no trial available just by signing up. Free access now comes only through carrier bundles, device purchases, or promotions. Check your phone bill or ask your provider whether your plan includes it.
Can I get Apple TV+ free through my phone plan?
Some phone plans from Verizon, T-Mobile, and other carriers include Apple TV+, but not all plans do. Call your carrier or log into your account online to ask whether your specific plan includes it. If it does not, ask whether switching to a different plan would add it.
What if I buy a used Apple device — do I still get the free subscription?
Usually not. The free trial is typically tied to a new device purchase and activates when you first set it up. A used device will not have an unclaimed trial attached to it. Check with the seller or the retailer where you are buying to confirm.
Can I share my Apple TV+ subscription with someone who is not in my family?
Apple's Family Sharing feature is designed for family members, but technically you can add anyone by email or phone number. Apple's terms say the account should be used only by people in your household, though enforcement is limited. If you want to split the cost with a friend, that is a personal decision between you and them.
If my carrier stops offering Apple TV+ with my plan, can I keep the subscription at a discount?
No. When a carrier bundle ends, your access ends unless you pay the full monthly price. There is no automatic discount or transition offer. You would need to start a new paid subscription from scratch if you want to keep watching.