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Apple TV+ Review
Not to be confused with Apple TV hardware, Apple TV+ is Apple’s ad-free streaming service centered on Apple Originals. In the U.S., new subscribers get a 7-day free trial and then pay $9.99 per month; 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos are included on supported titles and devices, and Family Sharing lets up to six people use one subscription (Apple TV+). Compared with ad-free tiers, Apple TV+ is priced below Netflix Premium ($22.99/month) and Max Ultimate Ad-Free ($20.99/month) and slightly below Disney+ Premium ($13.99/month) (Netflix plans; Max pricing; Disney+ plans).
Apple typically premieres one to three episodes of new series and then releases subsequent episodes weekly. That cadence is common across the industry, so Apple’s approach aligns with many competitors rather than diverging from them.
Apple’s slate has expanded with high-profile originals and sports tentpoles. Recent Apple TV+ highlights include Dark Matter, Presumed Innocent, Bad Monkey, and Lady in the Lake, alongside weekly Friday Night Baseball. Apple Original Films continues a theatrical-first strategy for select titles (e.g., Wolfs) before streaming on TV+. Earlier reporting also pointed to multi‑billion‑dollar investment in originals (spending $6 billion). Apple’s broader services business reported record revenue and over 1 billion paid subscriptions across services, underscoring momentum that includes TV+ (Apple Q4 results).
Apple TV+ Packages at a Glance
| Apple TV+ | Apple TV+ with Apple device purchase | Apple TV+ with Student Apple Music plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99/mo. | Free for 3 months, then $9.99/mo. | Not included with Apple Music Student plan |
| Contract length | Monthly | 3 months | N/A |
| Family sharing available | Yes – Up to 6 | Yes – Up to 6 | N/A |
| Offline viewing | Yes | Yes | N/A |
How We Evaluated Apple TV+
The digital streaming industry continues to shift toward hybrid monetization (ads plus subscriptions), live sports tentpoles, and bundles. In the U.S., streaming accounts for the largest share of TV usage and YouTube leads time spent on TV screens (Nielsen’s The Gauge). Industry outlooks emphasize CTV ad growth, bundling, and profitability over catalog volume (PwC Outlook; Deloitte Digital Media Trends).
Within this context, Apple TV+ positions itself as a curated, ad‑free service with 4K HDR/Dolby Atmos included at the base price. At $9.99/month after a 7‑day trial (Apple TV+), it undercuts Netflix Premium ($22.99) and Max Ultimate Ad‑Free ($20.99) while sitting slightly below Disney+ Premium ($13.99) (Netflix plans; Max pricing; Disney+ plans). We also considered sports (e.g., MLB Friday Night Baseball on TV+), the eventized series strategy, and bundling via Apple One.
Keeping all this in mind, we assessed Apple TV+ pricing and trials, device support, originals slate, live sports, and how its ad‑free 4K value compares to leading competitors.
Apple TV+ vs. Other Video Streaming Services
Key Apple TV+ Considerations
Fresh and growing content library
Apple TV+ remains a curated, all‑original service that emphasizes high‑impact series and films rather than sheer volume. 2024 additions included event titles like Dark Matter, Presumed Innocent, Bad Monkey, and Lady in the Lake. Live sports continue with weekly Friday Night Baseball. Apple Original Films maintain a theatrical‑first window for select releases before streaming on TV+ (e.g., Wolfs). If you want deep licensed back catalogs, you’ll likely pair TV+ with another service.
Apple typically follows a weekly release cadence after an initial multi‑episode premiere, which helps maintain engagement between episodes. This approach is increasingly common across major streaming platforms.
Competitive pricing and attractive Apple TV+ deals
In the U.S., Apple TV+ is $9.99/month after a 7‑day free trial, and 4K HDR/Dolby Atmos are included at no extra cost (Apple TV+). That compares favorably with Netflix Premium ($22.99) and Max Ultimate Ad‑Free ($20.99), and sits just below Disney+ Premium ($13.99) (Netflix plans; Max pricing; Disney+ plans). You can also bundle TV+ via Apple One to reduce effective cost if you use multiple Apple services.
Promotions include 3 months of Apple TV+ with the purchase and activation of an eligible Apple device (redeem in the Apple TV app within 3 months; one offer per Family Sharing group; terms apply) (Apple TV+ promo terms). Apple TV+ is no longer included with the Apple Music Student plan (Apple Music). Third‑party deals also surface periodically, such as T‑Mobile’s “Apple TV+ On Us” on select plans, Best Buy extended trials, or Verizon’s discounted Apple One perk (T‑Mobile; Best Buy; Verizon Apple One perk).
Device limitations
Apple TV+ now supports a wide range of devices, including Android phones and tablets via Apple’s official app on Google Play, Android TV/Google TV devices, web browsers at tv.apple.com, and major smart TV and streaming platforms. Offline downloads are available in the mobile apps; browser playback does not support downloads and may have lower maximum resolution depending on DRM support (Android app news; Apple TV – Google Play; several devices; 4K/HDR/Atmos requirements; tv.apple.com system requirements).
Short trial period
The standard Apple TV+ free trial is 7 days, after which billing begins automatically unless canceled (Apple TV+). You can extend initial access legitimately via Apple’s 3‑month device offer (new/qualified returning subscribers; one per Family Sharing group) or explore a 1‑month Apple One trial for services you haven’t tried. All promos are subject to Apple’s media services terms (promo terms; Apple Media Services Terms).
The Bottom Line
Apple TV+ offers ad‑free streaming with 4K HDR/Dolby Atmos included, a growing slate of prestige originals and Apple Original Films, and weekly MLB coverage—all shareable with up to six people via Family Sharing. At $9.99/month after a 7‑day trial (Apple TV+), it’s priced below top ad‑free tiers like Netflix Premium and Max Ultimate Ad‑Free (Netflix plans; Max pricing). Viewers who want large licensed back catalogs may still pair TV+ with another service, but Apple’s device promos and Apple One bundles can make the overall value compelling.
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