How Much Does Apple TV Cost a Month?

When discussing costs, it’s important to differentiate between the Apple TV device and the Apple TV+ streaming service. The Apple TV device is a media player that you purchase outright, with prices varying based on the model and storage capacity. As of October 2023, the Apple TV 4K starts at $129 for the 64GB model and $149 for the 128GB model.

On the other hand, Apple TV+ is Apple’s streaming service that offers original TV shows, movies, and documentaries. The subscription for Apple TV+ costs $6.99 per month in the United States. This fee grants you access to all Apple Original content available on the platform. Alternatively, you can opt for an annual subscription priced at $69.99 per year, which provides a discount equivalent to two free months compared to the monthly plan.

How Do I Cancel Apple TV+?

Cancelling your Apple TV+ subscription is a straightforward process, and it can be done directly from your device or through a web browser. Here are the steps to cancel your subscription:

On an iPhone or iPad:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on your name at the top to access your Apple ID settings.
3. Select Subscriptions.
4. Find and tap on Apple TV+.
5. Tap Cancel Subscription and confirm your choice.

On a Mac:

1. Open the App Store application.
2. Click on your name at the bottom left corner, or sign in if necessary.
3. Click on View Information at the top right.
4. Scroll down to the Manage section and click on Manage next to Subscriptions.
5. Find Apple TV+ and click Edit.
6. Click on Cancel Subscription and confirm.

Through a Web Browser:

1. Go to the Apple TV+ website and sign in.
2. Click on the account icon at the top right corner.
3. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
4. Scroll down to the Subscriptions section.
5. Click on Manage and then select Cancel Subscription.

After cancelling, you will continue to have access to Apple TV+ until the end of your current billing cycle.

What Is the Difference Between Apple TV and Apple TV+?

The terms Apple TV and Apple TV+ are often confused, but they refer to different products within Apple’s ecosystem.

Apple TV (Device):

The Apple TV is a streaming media player—a physical device—that connects to your television via HDMI. It allows you to stream content from various apps and services, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and of course, Apple TV+. The Apple TV device runs on tvOS and offers features like Siri voice control, AirPlay for casting content from your Apple devices, and access to the App Store for downloading apps and games.

Apple TV App:

The Apple TV app is a software application available on various devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, select smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV, and game consoles. The app aggregates content from different streaming services and allows you to rent or purchase movies and TV shows from the iTunes Store. It also provides access to Apple TV Channels, which are third-party streaming services you can subscribe to directly through the app.

Apple TV+ (Service):

Apple TV+ is Apple’s subscription-based streaming service that offers original content produced by Apple. This includes exclusive TV shows, movies, documentaries, and children’s programming. Apple TV+ content is accessible through the Apple TV app on any compatible device. Unlike other streaming services, Apple TV+ focuses solely on original programming rather than a vast library of licensed content.

In summary, Apple TV is the hardware device, the Apple TV app is the software platform for accessing various content, and Apple TV+ is the streaming service featuring Apple’s original content.

Why Is Apple TV Better Than Fire Stick?

Comparing the Apple TV and the Amazon Fire Stick involves evaluating various factors such as performance, features, ecosystem integration, and user preferences. Here’s a breakdown of how Apple TV may offer advantages over the Fire Stick for some users:

Performance and Hardware:

The Apple TV devices, particularly the Apple TV 4K, come with powerful processors like the A12 or A15 Bionic chip, which provide smooth performance, faster loading times, and better graphics capabilities. This makes the device well-suited for high-resolution streaming and gaming applications. In contrast, the Fire Stick devices use less powerful processors, which may result in slower performance when handling resource-intensive tasks.

Video and Audio Quality:

Apple TV supports high-quality video formats such as Dolby Vision and HDR10+, offering enhanced picture quality with compatible TVs. It also supports Dolby Atmos for immersive surround sound experiences. While some Fire Stick models support similar formats, the overall consistency and performance may vary.

User Interface and Experience:

The tvOS interface on Apple TV is known for its clean, intuitive design, and seamless integration with other Apple services. Users invested in the Apple ecosystem may find features like AirPlay, HomeKit integration, and Siri voice control particularly beneficial. The ability to use your iPhone as a remote or keyboard adds to the convenience.

App Availability and Ecosystem:

Apple TV provides access to a wide range of apps through the App Store, including exclusive games and applications optimized for tvOS. If you are already using Apple services like Apple Music, Apple Fitness+, or Apple Arcade, the Apple TV offers a centralized platform to access all these services.

Privacy and Security:

Apple places a strong emphasis on user privacy and data security. The Apple TV does not track user activity for advertising purposes, which may be a consideration for privacy-conscious users. Amazon’s Fire Stick, on the other hand, may collect usage data to personalize ads and recommendations.

Long-Term Support:

Apple is known for providing long-term software support for its devices, ensuring that your Apple TV remains up-to-date with the latest features and security updates for several years. This can enhance the longevity and value of the device over time.

It’s important to note that the Amazon Fire Stick also has its own set of advantages, such as a lower price point, integration with Amazon services, and Alexa voice control. The best choice ultimately depends on individual needs, budget, and the ecosystem you’re most invested in.

Is Apple TV Better Than Netflix?

Comparing Apple TV and Netflix involves understanding that they serve different purposes and offer different types of content. Here’s how they differ:

Apple TV+ (Apple TV+):

Apple TV+ is a streaming service that focuses exclusively on original content produced by Apple. It offers a growing library of high-quality TV shows, movies, and documentaries, such as “The Morning Show,” “Ted Lasso,” “For All Mankind,” and “Severance.” Apple TV+ is known for its high production values and has won several awards for its programming.

Netflix:

Netflix is one of the largest streaming services globally, offering a vast library of content that includes original series, movies, documentaries, as well as licensed content from various studios. Netflix’s catalog spans multiple genres and languages, providing a wide range of options for different audiences.

Content Library:

Apple TV+: Offers a smaller, curated selection of content, focusing on quality over quantity. All content is original and exclusive to the platform.

Netflix: Provides a large and diverse library, with thousands of titles including both originals and licensed content. The variety caters to a broad spectrum of viewer interests.

Pricing:

Apple TV+: Priced at $6.99 per month in the U.S., Apple TV+ is generally less expensive than Netflix’s standard plans.

Netflix: Offers multiple plans:

• Basic with Ads: $6.99 per month
• Basic Plan: $9.99 per month
• Standard Plan: $15.49 per month
• Premium Plan: $19.99 per month

Features:

Apple TV+: Allows streaming on up to six devices simultaneously at no extra cost, supports 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos where available, and integrates seamlessly with other Apple services and devices.

Netflix: The number of devices that can stream simultaneously depends on the plan. Higher-tier plans offer HD and Ultra HD streaming, and more simultaneous streams.

Device Compatibility:

Both services are available on a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming media players, game consoles, smartphones, and tablets. Apple TV+ is accessible through the Apple TV app, which is available on non-Apple devices as well.

Which Is Better?

The choice between Apple TV+ and Netflix depends on your viewing preferences:

• If you prefer a wide variety of content across different genres and enjoy both original and licensed shows and movies, Netflix may be the better option.
• If you are interested in high-quality original programming and are looking for a more affordable subscription, Apple TV+ could be a suitable choice.

Some viewers may opt to subscribe to both services to maximize their access to diverse content.

How to Get Apple TV for Free?

There are several legitimate ways to access Apple TV+ for free or at a reduced cost:

Free Trial Period:

Apple typically offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers to Apple TV+. This allows you to explore the content available on the platform before committing to a subscription.

Device Purchase Offers:

When you purchase a new Apple device—such as an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Mac—you may be eligible for a free trial of Apple TV+. As of October 2023, Apple offers three months of Apple TV+ for free with the purchase of a new, eligible Apple device. To redeem this offer:

1. Turn on your new Apple device and sign in with your Apple ID.
2. Open the Apple TV app on your device.
3. The offer should appear immediately after launching the app. If not, navigate to the Apple TV+ tab within the app.
4. Tap on Enjoy 3 Months Free and follow the prompts to confirm.

Apple One Bundle:

Consider subscribing to Apple One, a bundle that combines several Apple services at a discounted rate. While this is not free, it offers savings if you use multiple Apple services. Apple One plans include:

• Individual Plan: $16.95 per month – includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud+ with 50GB storage.
• Family Plan: $22.95 per month – same services as Individual, but with iCloud+ storage increased to 200GB and can be shared with up to five family members.
• Premier Plan: $32.95 per month – adds Apple News+ and Apple Fitness+, with 2TB of iCloud+ storage.

Promotional Offers from Partners:

Occasionally, telecom providers or other companies may offer extended free trials of Apple TV+ as part of a promotion. For example, certain credit card companies, mobile carriers, or streaming device manufacturers may have special offers for their customers.

Educational Discounts:

Students subscribing to the Apple Music Student Plan may receive Apple TV+ at no additional cost. To qualify, you need to verify your student status through UNiDAYS or a similar verification service.

Sharing with Family Sharing:

If a family member has an active Apple TV+ subscription, they can share access with you through Apple’s Family Sharing feature. Up to six family members can share subscriptions to Apple services, including Apple TV+, at no extra cost.

Remember that while these offers provide access to Apple TV+ for free or at a reduced cost, they are time-limited. After the promotional period ends, the subscription will renew at the standard rate unless cancelled. Always check the terms and conditions of any offer and ensure you cancel before the renewal date if you do not wish to continue the subscription.

Be cautious of any websites or services claiming to offer free access to Apple TV+ through unauthorized means, as these may be illegal and could pose security risks.

Apple’s ecosystem offers a range of devices and services designed to provide a seamless and high-quality user experience. Understanding the differences between the Apple TV hardware, the Apple TV app, and the Apple TV+ streaming service can help you make informed decisions about which products best suit your needs. Whether you’re considering subscribing to Apple TV+, comparing streaming devices, or exploring ways to maximize your entertainment options, staying informed about features, costs, and available promotions will enhance your viewing experience.