What is the difference between apple tv and apple tv plus

Apple's Apple TV+ streaming service features dozens of original TV shows and movies with high-profile producers, directors, and actors, with Apple adding new content on a regular basis.

Show

In the guide below, we've rounded up all of the details on Apple's streaming television service, which officially launched back on November 1, 2019.

What is the difference between apple tv and apple tv plus

What is Apple TV+?

‌Apple TV‌+ is the name of Apple's television service that is home to the original TV shows and movies that are funded by Apple. Apple has produced dozens of shows, and has dozens more in the works, with a list available in our dedicated Apple TV show guide.

Apple competing with streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO, Showtime, and others with its original content and has brought on huge names ranging from Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and J.J. Abrams to Oprah. Well-known actors and actresses like Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Tom Hiddleston, Claire Danes, Chris Evans, Elizabeth Moss, Samuel L. Jackson, and Steve Carell are involved in Apple's original TV shows.

Are there ads?

Nope. ‌Apple TV‌+ is ad-free and available to watch on-demand.

What's the price?

‌Apple TV‌+ is priced at $4.99 per month, with a one-week free trial. There's also an annual $49.99 subscription that saves a bit of money over the monthly option, and subscriptions also support Family Sharing, so up to six members of a family can access content using a single subscription. An Apple One bundle is available starting at $14.99 per month, with ‌Apple TV‌+, Apple Arcade, and Apple Music included.

Apple is also offering a free three-month subscription to ‌Apple TV‌+ with the purchase of a new iPhone, iPad, ‌Apple TV‌, iPod touch or Mac. The deal is ongoing as of 2022, but only one free year can be redeemed per person.

When did it launch?

‌Apple TV‌+ launched on November 1, 2019, in more than 100 countries.

How do I watch?

‌Apple TV‌+ is built into the ‌Apple TV‌ app, which was overhauled in 2019. The ‌Apple TV‌ app provides access to ‌Apple TV‌+ content right alongside content from third-party providers, with machine learning and AI techniques used to recommend content that's perfect for you.

The ‌Apple TV‌ app is available on Apple devices that include the ‌iPhone‌, ‌iPad‌, iPod touch, Mac, and ‌Apple TV‌. It is also available on the web at tv.apple.com and on Roku, Amazon Fire TV devices, Samsung smart TVs, Nvidia Shield, and Android TV OS.

Can I download TV shows for offline viewing?

Yes. You can download TV shows and movies for offline viewing.

Can I watch on more than one device?

Yes. Up to six family members can watch on their own individual devices through Family Sharing. Family Sharing requires all Apple ID accounts in the family to use the same credit card for all Apple content, so giving someone access to an ‌Apple TV‌+ account isn't quite as simple as sharing a Netflix account.

What's the difference between Apple TV+ and Channels?

The revamped TV app also includes "Channels," which will let you subscribe to and watch services like HBO, Starz, SHOWTIME, CBS All Access, Smithsonian Channel, EPIX, Tastemade, Noggin, and MTV Hits, right in the TV app without needing to open a different app. Channels are completely separate from ‌Apple TV‌+, which is in fact Apple's own channel and available the Channels section.

Along with Channels and ‌Apple TV‌+, the ‌Apple TV‌ app makes recommendations and suggestions for shows and movies from iTunes and more than 150 streaming apps and cable services like Canal+, Charter Spectrum, DIRECTV NOW and PlayStation Vue, though content that is not Apple's own and not included in a channel will need to be watched in a third-party app just like the original TV app.

What does an Apple TV+ subscription include?

An ‌Apple TV‌+ subscription provides access to all ‌Apple TV‌+ shows and movies, which are located inside of the ‌Apple TV‌+ section of the ‌Apple TV‌ app on ‌iPhone‌, ‌iPad‌, Mac, and ‌Apple TV‌. It does not include iTunes movies and content from other providers, which still requires a separate fee.

Are Apple TV shows in 4K?

Yes. Original ‌Apple TV‌+ content is available in 4K HDR with support for Dolby Vision. Most titles also offer Dolby Atmos sound.

Will Apple TV+ movies be in theaters?

Yes. Apple is releasing some of its ‌Apple TV‌+ movies in theaters before releasing them on ‌Apple TV‌+. Movies that have been in theaters include "Hala," "The Banker," and "The Elephant Queen."

Where is Apple TV+ available?

‌Apple TV‌+ is available in more than 100 countries. ‌Apple TV‌+ content is not available outside of the TV app.

What devices support Apple TV+?

‌Apple TV‌+ can be watched through the following sources:

  • ‌iPhone‌, ‌iPad‌, or iPod touch with iOS 13 or iPadOS 13 or later
  • ‌Apple TV‌ 4K or ‌Apple TV‌ HD with tvOS 13 or later
  • Third-generation ‌Apple TV‌ with the latest software
  • Smart TVs and streaming boxes that support the ‌Apple TV‌ app
  • Macs running macOS Catalina or later
  • tv.apple.com in a Safari, Firefox, or Chrome browser

Right now, some Samsung TVs and LG TVs support the ‌Apple TV‌ app, and other smart TV makers will be adding support in the future. The TV app is also available on the Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices.

How can I sign up for Apple TV+?

As of November 1, 2019, customers can sign up in the ‌Apple TV‌ app or on tv.apple.com to start their ‌Apple TV‌+ subscriptions.

  • How to Sign Up for Apple TV+

How do I get my free three months of Apple TV+

Apple is offering all customers who purchase a new ‌iPhone‌, ‌iPad‌, iPod touch, or ‌Apple TV‌ a free three months of ‌Apple TV‌+ access with the purchase.

To access the free subscription, open the TV app, and the free trial offer should be presented immediately after launching the app or in the "Watch Now." Each family can only the free ‌Apple TV‌+ trial one time, regardless of the number of devices purchased.

Apple says any ‌iPhone‌, ‌iPad‌, iPod touch, ‌Apple TV‌ 4K or ‌Apple TV‌ HD, or Mac purchased after September 10, 2019 and capable of running the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, or macOS is eligible for the free of ‌Apple TV‌ trial.

How can I cancel my Apple TV+ subscription?

You can cancel ‌Apple TV‌+ on ‌iPhone‌ by opening up the ‌Apple TV‌ app, selecting your profile picture, and choosing the "Manage Subscriptions" option. From there, choose the "Cancel Free Trial" option.

Make sure to read the fine print before canceling if you have a free one-year trial from purchasing a device. If you cancel the subscription, it ends immediately and your access is revoked, so you'll want to make sure to set a calendar reminder to cancel rather than canceling right away. The trial period also cannot be reactivated once canceled.

Free Apple TV+ for students with Apple Music subscription

Students who have a student subscription to ‌Apple Music‌ for $4.99 per month can also get access to ‌Apple TV‌+ at no additional charge.

Guide Feedback

See something we left out of our ‌Apple TV‌+ guide or have a question not answered here? Let us know in the comments or Send us an email here.

Apple Music, Apple TV, and iCloud Photos Integration Coming to Windows

Wednesday October 12, 2022 8:01 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

Microsoft today announced that dedicated Apple Music and Apple TV apps will be available on Windows devices next year. The company also announced that iCloud Photos integration is coming to the Photos app on Windows 11 devices later this year. The standalone Apple Music and Apple TV apps will provide a much improved experience for Windows users who use these services. Currently, Windows...

Report: Apple to Sell Ad Space for TV+ Next Year, Hinting at Possible Ad-Supported Tier

Wednesday October 12, 2022 5:11 am PDT by Tim Hardwick

Apple has reportedly held discussions with media agency and network executives about the prospect of selling ad time on its Apple TV+ streaming service, leading to speculation that an ad-supported tier could eventually be in the offing, possibly as soon as next year. According to DigiDay, Apple's advertising chief Todd Teresi has led meetings with holding company executives to sell video...

Jony Ive Credited as Producer of Upcoming Apple TV+ Animated Film

Tuesday October 11, 2022 2:34 am PDT by Tim Hardwick

Jony Ive is working on a project for Apple, but this time it's neither hardware nor software. The former Apple design chief is an executive producer in forthcoming Apple TV+ animated film "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse," which will debut on the streaming service over the festive period. Adapted from the bestselling Charlie Mackesy book of the same name, the short film tells the...

Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond Coming to FIFA 23

Wednesday September 21, 2022 9:51 am PDT by Juli Clover

Ted Lasso, Roy Kent, and the AFC Richmond team will be available in FIFA 23 when it launches on September 30, EA Games announced today. The characters are from hit Apple TV+ show "Ted Lasso," and will be fully playable. Along with Ted Lasso and Roy Kent, popular characters that include Coach Beard, Jamie Tartt, Dani Rojas, Sam Obisanya, and Isaac McAdoo will be integrated into the game, as...

Monday August 29, 2022 7:40 am PDT by Sami Fathi

T-Mobile today announced that it is adding an Apple TV+ subscription to its Magenta MAX plan, giving eligible T-Mobile customers unlimited access to Apple's original content, including hit shows like Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, Severance, and more. In a press release, T-Mobile announced that the added perk of an Apple TV+ subscription will come at no additional cost to T-Mobile customers,...

Apple TV+ Now Available on Rogers Ignite TV in Canada

Canadian carrier Rogers today announced that the Apple TV+ app is now rolling out to its Ignite TV and Ignite Streaming boxes/devices. Rogers is also offering a three-month subscription to Apple TV+ free of charge to first-time subscribers to the service through November 23, 2022, according to the announcement, first shared by the blog iPhone in Canada. Samsung and Roku are also offering ...

Samsung and Roku Offering Three Months of Apple TV+ For Free

Thursday August 25, 2022 7:44 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

Starting today through November 28, owners of 2018-2022 Samsung smart TV models worldwide can receive a three-month subscription to Apple TV+ for free. In an announcement spotted by 9to5Mac, Samsung said eligible customers can redeem this limited time offer by opening the Apple TV app on the Samsung TV home screen and following the on-screen instructions. It's not clear from the press...

Apple TV+ Show 'Shantaram' With Charlie Hunnam to Premiere October 14

Monday August 15, 2022 9:33 am PDT by Juli Clover

Upcoming Apple TV+ show "Shantaram" will premiere on Friday, October 14, Apple announced today. "Shantaram" has been in the works since 2018, and it is based on Gregory David Roberts' 2003 novel of the same name. The show focuses on a character named Lin, a convict who flees from an Australian prison and disappears into the city of Bombay. In India, Lin's journey takes him through a hidden...

Apple TV+ Shows 'Severance' and 'Ted Lasso' Win Big at the Hollywood Critics Awards

Monday August 15, 2022 4:12 am PDT by Tim Hardwick

Apple TV+ received multiple accolades at the annual Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards over the weekend, with "Severance" winning Best Drama and hit show "Ted Lasso" taking home the Best Comedy award. With 12 nominations to its name, "Severance" was the most-winning drama on the night, and picked up Best Actress for Britt Lower, Best Supporting Actor for John Turturro, Best Writing for...

Apple Could Ink Deal for Big Ten Streaming Rights

Tuesday August 9, 2022 2:33 pm PDT by Juli Clover

Apple is in talks to secure a deal for a Big Ten college football and basketball streaming package, according to The Athletic. Both Apple and Amazon are said to be vying for the streaming rights, with Apple joining the negotiations following news that USC and UCLA will join the league in 2024. Big Ten media rights are expected to go to CBS and NBC in addition to Fox for live games, but the...

Apple Card Customers Can Get Three Months of Apple TV+ for Free

Friday August 5, 2022 7:34 am PDT by Sami Fathi

Apple has announced a new offer that gives Apple Card customers three months of Apple TV+ for free, in part to celebrate the premiere of the new animated film "Luck" on the streaming platform. The offer, which runs until October 31, will give ‌new and existing Apple TV+ subscribers who are Apple Card‌ customers a free three-month subscription to the service. Alongside access to the new...

Apple TV+ Animated Film 'Luck' Now Streaming, Takes Over Apple's Homepage

Apple TV+'s first feature-length 3D animated film "Luck" is now available to watch in the U.S. a few hours earlier than promised. Apple is promoting the film with a full-page takeover on its homepage, with characters from the film appearing in several spots. Created by Skydance Animation, "Luck" revolves around an unlucky person named Sam Greenfield who suddenly finds herself in the...

Apple TV+ Expands 'Friday Night Baseball' to Four New Countries

Apple today announced that its weekly MLB doubleheader "Friday Night Baseball" can now be viewed in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Germany, and Italy. The games remain free to watch on Apple TV+ without a subscription for a limited time. Apple also released the September schedule for "Friday Night Baseball" games. Assigned broadcasters for each game will be announced on a weekly basis.Frid...

Apple TV+ Show 'For All Mankind' Renewed for Fourth Season

Friday July 22, 2022 4:07 pm PDT by Juli Clover

Apple today announced that it has renewed popular Apple TV+ space drama "For All Mankind" for a fourth season. Introduced when Apple TV+ launched in November 2019, "For All Mankind" is one of the longest running Apple TV+ shows. "For All Mankind" imagines what the world might be like if the global space race had never ended and the space program had remained a priority in the United States....

Apple TV+ Announces 'Friday Night Baseball' Schedule for August

Apple and Major League Baseball today announced the August schedule for "Friday Night Baseball," with all of the games available to watch for free on Apple TV+ without a subscription. Assigned broadcasters for each game will be announced on a weekly basis. The weekly "Friday Night Baseball" doubleheaders, along with live pregame and postgame shows, can be watched in the Apple TV app across...

Severance, Ted Lasso and More Nominated for 2022 Emmy Awards

Tuesday July 12, 2022 9:25 am PDT by Juli Clover

Apple TV+ shows that include "Severance" and "Ted Lasso" have been nominated for 2022 Emmy Awards, the Television Academy announced today. "Ted Lasso" has been nominated for Outsanding Comedy Series, while "Severance" has been nominated for Outstanding Drama Series. "Ted Lasso" won the 2021 Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy, and it is in the running to do so again. The show is competing against ...

Apple Hosting Apple TV+ Panels at San Diego Comic-Con

Thursday June 30, 2022 2:28 pm PDT by Juli Clover

The Apple TV+ team is heading to San Diego Comic-Con International for the first time, with Apple planning to host a number of different panels. The cast and creative teams from "Severance," "For All Mankind," "Mythic Quest," "See," "Invasion," and "Foundation" will be holding panels. Comic-Con attendees will also be able to participate in a special "Severance" experience with Lumon...

Colin Farrell, Brad Pitt to Star in New Apple TV+ Content

Thursday June 9, 2022 1:31 pm PDT by Juli Clover

Apple this week announced several new Apple TV+ projects that are in the works with high-profile actors attached. Colin Farrell, known for movies like "In Bruges" and "The Batman," is set to star in a new Apple TV+ series called "Sugar." The show is described as a "genre-bending series" from Mark Protosevich, who has worked on "The Cell," "I Am Legend," and "Thor," but little else is known...

Live-Action 'Speed Racer' Series Coming to Apple TV+

Wednesday May 25, 2022 4:19 pm PDT by Juli Clover

Apple has picked up a live-action "Speed Racer" series for Apple TV+, reports Variety. The series has reportedly been in the works for years now, and will be executive produced by J.J. Abrams. "Speed Racer" is a Japanese automobile racing media franchise that originated in 1966 as a manga, and it was then adapted into an anime in 1967. It follows the adventures of titular character Speed...

Apple Shares 'For All Mankind' Season 3 Trailer

Monday May 16, 2022 2:51 pm PDT by Juli Clover

The third season of popular Apple TV+ series "For All Mankind" is set to premiere on Friday, June 10, and ahead of that date, Apple has shared the trailer for the new season. "For All Mankind" was one of the first Apple TV+ shows that launched when the Apple TV+ service launched in November 2020, and it has continued to be popular with viewers. The series imagines what the world might be...

Are Apple TV and Apple TV plus the same?

You can subscribe to channels available in the Apple TV app , including Apple TV+. Apple TV+ is a subscription streaming service featuring Apple Originals—award-winning series, compelling dramas, groundbreaking documentaries, kids' entertainment, comedies, and more—with new items added every month.

What makes Apple TV plus different?

Apple TV+ offers exclusive Apple original TV shows and movies in 4K HDR quality. You can watch across all of your screens and pick up where you left off on any device. Apple TV+ costs $4.99 per month. Here's every Apple original television show and movie available now on Apple TV+, as well as the latest trailers …

Is Apple TV Plus subscription worth it?

Streaming quality Apple TV+ ranks high when it comes to affordability. A basic subscription with the service is $2 cheaper than Hulu, and the platform offers the longest free trial of all the services listed when you purchase an Apple device (it's only seven days without a device purchase).

Do I need Apple TV to watch Apple TV+?

Can I watch Apple TV+ shows on non-Apple devices? Yes! You can watch Apple TV+ through the TV app, which is available on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and the Mac, as well as many game consoles, smart TVs, and other streaming devices.