Apple TV+ is a streaming service from Apple. Though slow off the starting blocks, Apple TV+ is now establishing itself as a major contender in the streaming space thanks to its interesting exclusive content.
In this article, we explain everything you need to know about Apple TV+, including where it's available, what devices you can watch it on, and how much a subscription costs.
What Is Apple TV+?
Apple TV+ is a video streaming service from Apple that launched in November 2019. It's a direct competitor to the likes of Netflix, Disney+, and Paramount+.
In preparation for the launch, Apple spent billions and teamed up with stars like Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, and Jennifer Aniston to create a relatively small but impressive batch of exclusive content.
Apple hasn't disclosed how many people are using Apple TV+, though it's definitely lagging behind long-established players like Netflix. It's also likely to be way behind Disney+, which has already gained 100 million subscribers.
Variety reports that the majority of users are from a free promotional offer. As such, it remains to be seen whether Apple TV+ has legs.
Nevertheless, Apple continues to pour money into the service. Shows like Dickinson and The Morning Show have been renewed, while the company continues to fund new star-led exclusive content.
Apple TV+ isn't the same thing as the Apple TV set-top box or the TV app. Though Apple TV+ can be accessed through both, Apple TV also lets you stream other services, while the TV app is primarily designed for movie rentals and purchases.
Where Is Apple TV+ Available?
Apple TV+ is available in over 100 countries. Apple wants the service to be available worldwide, though at the time of writing a few large countries like Turkey and South Korea are excluded.
To find out if Apple TV+ is available in your country, visit the Availability of Apple Media Services page.
What Content Is Available on Apple TV+?
One of the best reasons to subscribe to Apple TV+ is that it has a great range of exclusive movies and TV shows.
Unlike other services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Hulu, which blends original and licensed content, nearly everything on Apple TV+ has been created exclusively for the platform.
Some of the great shows that you can watch on Apple TV+ include:
- Dickinson: Starring Hailee Steinfeld as Emily Dickinson, this coming-of-age show is a quirky and comedic look at the reclusive poet's life.
- Snoopy in Space: One for the kids, inspired by the Peanuts comic strip, with Snoopy trying to fulfill his dream to become a NASA astronaut.
- Mythic Quest: A workplace comedy centered around a group of video game developers, with It's Always Sunny's Rob McElhenney at the helm.
- The Morning Show: After a morning news anchor is fired for sexual harassment, his colleagues are left to pick up the pieces.
And some of the original films and documentaries include:
- Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry: A documentary that explores the life and journey of the international pop star.
- Cherry: Starring Spider-Man's Tom Holland as an ex-army medic who robs banks to fund his opioid addiction.
- Greyhound: Written by and starring Tom Hanks, Greyhound is a WWII film based around one of the largest naval battles.
- Palmer: After serving a long prison sentence, Justin Timberlake's high school football star cares for an outcast neighbor, until his past comes to haunt him.
All of this is available in 4K HDR/Dolby Vision, with most of it supporting Dolby Atmos (which gives three-dimensional audio, providing you have a sound system that can handle it).
How Much Does Apple TV+ Cost?
Apple TV+ costs $4.99/month, following a seven-day free trial. You can also get a free year when you buy an eligible Apple device, like an iPhone or iPad, and redeem the offer within 90 days of purchase.
Alternatively, Apple TV+ is included with Apple One, which starts at $14.95/month.
All of these plans allow you to share your subscription with up to five family members. You can all stream simultaneously too.
Currently, as a limited-time offer that could end at any time, the Apple Music Student plan comes with a free subscription to Apple TV+. The subscription remains valid until you are no longer eligible for the plan or you don't renew (whichever happens first).
Regardless of how you pay for Apple TV+, there are no "ad-supported" plans. According to Apple, that policy is here to stay, as it claims the service will never have any adverts.
What Devices Does Apple TV+ Support?
You can watch Apple TV+ on lots of devices, including:
- Apple products: Apple TV (4K, HD, or third-generation), iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac
- Games consoles: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Streaming devices: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV
- Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, VIZIO, Sony
- Web browser: Using Firefox and Chrome on Windows, Chrome OS, and Android
For full information, visit the Apple TV+ device page. While Apple TV+ is well-supported, the smart TV compatibility is limited, as only some brand TVs from 2018 onwards have the app.
What Other Features Does Apple TV+ Have?
You can download everything on Apple TV+ for offline viewing, which is great if you're traveling or somewhere with a dodgy internet connection. Content will be available for 30 days after download, after which time it's automatically removed. Offline downloads are only available on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Mac.
Apple TV+ also has parental controls which let you set an age rating limit, with anything above it unlocked via a passcode. Curiously, this feature is only supported on a web browser; the parental controls are absent on other devices.
How to Try Apple TV+ for Free
Apple TV+ is growing and Apple shows no sign of slowing down its investment in the streaming service. It's definitely worth checking out, especially because you can't watch its content anywhere else.
Do you like the sound of Apple TV+? If so, you can try the service without obligation by signing up for the free trial. Alternatively, if you purchased an eligible Apple product, you can use Apple TV+ free for an entire year.
