The world of entertainment has undergone a dramatic transformation with the rise of on-demand streaming services. Among these, Apple TV+ stands out as a platform that brings exclusive shows and movies to your screens. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore all that Apple TV+ has to offer. From understanding its pricing and features to uncovering its unique content, this guide is your key to unlocking the full potential of this streaming service. Whether you’re a current subscriber or contemplating adding it to your streaming lineup, this guide will equip you with all the insights and knowledge you need to make the most of Apple TV+ and its captivating original content.
What is Apple TV+?
Apple TV+ is a subscription-based streaming service that offers a wide range of original content. It distinguishes itself by producing exclusive shows and movies, which you won’t find on any other platform. The service is compatible with various Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TV 4K, and it’s even available on some smart TVs. The convenience and exclusivity make it an attractive choice for many viewers.
How does Apple TV+ work?
To access Apple TV+, you need to download the Apple TV app on your compatible device. The app is not just for Apple TV+; it’s a hub for all your streaming needs. It allows you to access various streaming services, like Apple TV+, in one place.
What sets Apple TV+ apart?
What makes Apple TV+ unique is its commitment to original content. Unlike some other platforms that rely on licensing existing shows and movies, Apple focuses on creating its own, high-quality content. This means that when you subscribe to Apple TV+, you gain access to a library of exclusive shows and movies, not available anywhere else.
Apple TV+: The Home of Apple Originals
Apple Originals are exclusive shows and movies produced by Apple. These are only available for streaming on Apple TV+, making it a prime destination for those seeking fresh, unique content. Below are some of the standout Apple TV+ original content to date:
Ted Lasso (2020-present)
A feel-good comedy about an American football coach who is hired to coach a professional soccer team in England, despite having no experience with the sport.
Severance (2022-present)
A sci-fi thriller about a company that uses a revolutionary surgical procedure to divide its employees’ memories between their work and personal lives.
The Morning Show (2019-present)
A drama about the behind-the-scenes world of a popular morning news show.
For All Mankind (2019-present)
An alternate-history sci-fi drama that explores what would have happened if the Soviet Union had beaten the United States to the moon.
The Problem with Jon Stewart (2021-2023)
A current affairs television series hosted by Jon Stewart. It is a weekly show that explores complex topics through the differing perspectives of stakeholders, experts, and individuals confronting these challenges. The show is known for its in-depth analysis of complex issues, its ability to generate meaningful conversations, and Stewart’s trademark wit and humor. It has covered a wide range of topics, including gun control, healthcare, climate change, racism, education, inequality, technology, immigration, veterans affairs, and the opioid crisis.
CODA (2021)
A coming-of-age story about a hearing girl who is the only hearing member of her deaf family. The film was praised for its heartwarming story, its realistic portrayal of the deaf community, and its strong performances from the cast, including Troy Kotsur, who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance.
The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)
A black-and-white adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. The film stars Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, and is praised for its stunning visuals, its powerful performances, and its unique take on Shakespeare’s play.
Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022)
A comedy-drama about a young man who falls in love with a single mother. The film is praised for its heartwarming story, its charming characters, and its strong performances from the cast, including Dakota Johnson and Cooper Raiff, who also wrote and directed the film.
Causeway (2022)
A drama about a soldier who returns home from Afghanistan with a traumatic brain injury. The film stars Jennifer Lawrence as the soldier and is praised for its realistic depiction of PTSD, its strong performance from Lawrence, and its thought-provoking exploration of the challenges of returning home from war.
Emancipation (2022)
A historical drama about a slave named Peter who escapes from a plantation and embarks on a perilous journey to freedom. The film stars Will Smith as Peter and is praised for its powerful story, its stunning visuals, and its strong performance from Smith.
The above Apple TV+ original TV shows and movies are just examples. Apple TV+’s original content library continues to expand, with new titles being added regularly. You can check out the complete list of Apple TV+ series here.
Watch Apple TV channels on Apple TV+
Apple TV Channels is a feature that can significantly enhance your viewing experience on Apple TV+. Apple TV Channels is like a one-stop shop for adding premium channels to your Apple TV app. Instead of needing separate subscriptions and apps for each channel, you can conveniently subscribe to and access them directly through the Apple TV app. This streamlined approach not only saves you time but also provides easy access to a wider range of content.
MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+
MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+ is a new subscription service that will offer live and on-demand coverage of every Major League Soccer match starting in 2023. The service will be available on the Apple TV app as well as other Apple devices, including smart TVs, streaming devices, and game consoles.
MLS Season Pass will also include a variety of other features, such as:
- Pre-match and post-match shows
- Highlights and replays
- Player interviews
- Behind-the-scenes content
- Access to MLS Next Pro and MLS Next matches
The price for MLS Season Pass has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be around $30 per month. However, Apple TV+ subscribers will be able to get a discount on MLS Season Pass.
MLS Season Pass is a significant development for Major League Soccer. It will make MLS matches more accessible to fans around the world and will give the league a bigger platform to promote its brand.
Signing up for Apple TV+
To sign up for Apple TV+, you can visit the Apple TV+ website or download the Apple TV app on your device.
To sign up on the Apple TV+ website:
- Go to tv.apple.com.
- Click the “Free trial” button.
- Sign in with your Apple ID or create a new Apple ID.
- Enter your payment information.
- Click the “Start free trial” button.
To sign up on the Apple TV app:
- Open the Apple TV app.
- Tap the “Originals” tab.
- Tap the “Start free trial” button.
- Sign in with your Apple ID or create a new Apple ID.
- Enter your payment information.
- Tap the “Start free trial” button.
Once you have subscribed to Apple TV+, you can start watching shows and movies immediately. You can watch on your Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, and game consoles.
Apple TV+ subscription options
Apple TV+ offers a single subscription plan that costs 6.99 USD per month. This plan gives you access to all the shows and movies on Apple TV+, including new releases and award-winning hits.
You can also subscribe to Apple TV+ through a participating TV provider. This may give you a discount on your subscription, and you may also be able to bundle Apple TV+ with other streaming services.
Apple TV+ free trial
Apple TV+ offers a seven-day trial. After the trial period, your subscription will automatically renew at $6.99 per month. You can cancel your subscription at any time.
You can also get three months of Apple TV+ for free if you buy a new Apple device like iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Mac. The promotion is available for a limited time only, and it is not available to current Apple TV+ subscribers.
To redeem the offer, you must activate your new device within 90 days of purchase. Once you have activated your device, you will receive a notification with instructions on how to redeem your free trial.
To check if you are eligible for the promotion, go to Settings > Account > Subscriptions on your Apple device.
Apple One with Apple TV+
Apple also offers a bundle subscription called Apple One. Apple One bundles together multiple Apple services, such as Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud+, and Apple News+, for a discounted price.
There are three different Apple One subscription plans:
- Individual: This plan includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Apple Arcade for 14.95 USD per month.
- Family: This plan includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud+ (200GB) for 19.95 USD per month.
- Premier: This plan includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud+ (2TB), Apple News+, and Apple Fitness+ for 29.95 USD per month.
Apple One can be a great option for people who use other Apple services. It can save you money on your monthly subscription costs, and it makes it easy to manage all of your subscriptions in one place.
To sign up for Apple One, you can visit the Apple website or go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
Apple TV+ Family Sharing
To share your subscription, you can use Family Sharing. Family Sharing allows you to share your Apple TV+ subscription with up to five family members.
To set up Family Sharing, you will need to create a Family Sharing group. To do this, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Your Name on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Tap or click Family Sharing.
- Tap or click Set Up Family Sharing.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Once you have set up Family Sharing, you can add family members to your group. To do this, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Family Sharing.
- Tap or click Add Family Member.
- Enter the email address of the person you want to add to your group.
- Tap or click Send Invite.
Once the person you invited has accepted your invitation, they will be added to your Family Sharing group. They will then be able to watch Apple TV+ content using their own Apple ID. Please note that family members must have an Apple ID and an iCloud account to use Family Sharing.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about sharing your Apple TV+ subscription:
- Only up to six people can be in a Family Sharing group at a time.
- Apple TV Plus subscribers can only share their subscription with family members who are part of your Family Sharing group.
- Family members can watch Apple TV Plus shows and movies on their own devices, but they can only watch one stream at a time.
- You can remove family members from your Family Sharing group at any time.
Troubleshooting Apple TV+ streaming
If you are having problems streaming Apple TV+, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Check your internet connection. Make sure that your device has a strong internet connection. You can try restarting your router or modem.
- Restart your device. Sometimes restarting your device can fix minor problems.
- Update your device’s operating system. Make sure that your device is running the latest version of the operating system.
- Update the Apple TV app. Make sure that you are using the latest version of the Apple TV app.
- Sign out and back into your Apple TV+ account. This can sometimes fix problems with streaming.
- Reset the Apple TV app. This will erase all of your data from the app, including your watchlist and download history. To reset the Apple TV app, go to Settings > Apps > Apple TV > Reset.
- Try watching on a different device. If you are still having problems streaming on one device, try watching on a different device. This will help you to determine if the problem is with your device or with your internet connection.
If you have tried all of these troubleshooting tips and you are still having problems streaming Apple TV+, you can contact Apple Customer Support for help.
Is Apple TV+ worth it?
When considering whether Apple TV Plus is worth it, it’s important to compare it with other streaming services. While Apple TV Plus may have a smaller library compared to giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, it offers high-quality original shows and movies that are exclusive to the platform. The focus on quality over quantity sets Apple TV Plus apart.
Reviews of Apple TV Plus have been mostly positive, with critics praising the platform for its original content and user-friendly interface. Viewers have expressed their appreciation for the standout shows and movies offered by the service.
Frequently asked questions about Apple TV+
1. Is the Apple TV app only available on Apple devices?
A: While Apple TV Plus is primarily designed for Apple devices, it can also be accessed on Android TV, Google TV, and other kinds of smart TV. Users can download the Apple TV app on their compatible Android TV or Google TV device and enjoy Apple TV Plus content, expanding the availability of the service to a broader audience.
2. Is live TV streaming available on Apple TV+?
No, live TV streaming is not available on Apple TV+ itself. However, you can watch live TV on Apple TV devices through other apps, such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV. You can also watch live sports through apps like ESPN and DAZN.
3. Does an Apple TV+ subscription come with access to Apple Music?
No, an Apple TV+ subscription does not come with access to Apple Music. Apple TV+ and Apple Music are two separate services, and each requires its own subscription. However, Apple does offer a bundle called Apple One, which includes Apple TV+, Apple Music, and other Apple services for a monthly fee.