Launched in 2019, Apple TV+ is an on-demand streaming service known for its original movies and TV shows. Its platform is the exclusive home of these so-called Apple Originals, which include the Emmy-winning series “Ted Lasso” and the Oscar-winning film “CODA.”
However, while Apple TV+ is recognized for thequalityof its content library, some might find itsquantitylacking — especially compared to rivals likeHuluand Netflix. Although Apple TV+ might not offer as many titles as its competitors just yet, it continues to add movies and series each week. Plus, the platform boasts several user-friendly features, including ad-free plans and offline viewing.
So, is Apple TV+ the right streaming platform for you? If you enjoy the type of content that Apple has produced so far (think: dramas and docuseries), then it might be worth exploring its streaming service. Below, we’ll explain what you need to know about Apple TV+, including the type of content it offers and how it compares to its competitors.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exclusive home of Friday Night Baseball | Smaller content library than competitors |
| Free trial available | Pricier than several competitors’ base plans (including Hulu and Netflix) |
| Discounted access to MLS Season Pass | Limited live TV coverage (MLB and MLS only) |
| No ads | Works best on Apple devices |
Apple TV+ subscription options
Apple TV+ only offers one plan, which doesn’t include any third-party advertisem*nts. However, you may see commercials for other Apple TV+ programming. This sets the service apart from competitors likeHuluand Netflix, both of which offer multiple plan tiers (including ad-supported options).
Apple TV+ content
With an Apple TV+ subscription, you’ll get access to the entire on-demand library of Apple Originals, including popular TV shows like “The Morning Show,” “Silo” and “Severance,” as well as films like “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Argylle” and “Napoleon.” In terms of genre, the catalog contains a lot of dramas, but there are also comedies and kids’ programming mixed in as well. The platform releases new content every Wednesday and Friday.
Outside of its scripted films and TV shows, Apple TV+ has also produced a number of documentary series, such as “The Dynasty: New England Patriots,” “Real Madrid: Until the End” and “The Me You Can’t See,” the last of which was hosted by Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry.
Apple TV+ has a small collection of non-original content, including “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” and a rotating selection of popular movies from other studios. However, you can rent or buy other movies and TV shows (that aren’t Apple Originals) in the Apple TV app. There, you’ll find recent releases, classic films, complete TV series and more. You can also subscribe toother streaming services— includingParamount Plusand AMC Plus — through Apple TV+. These are called “channels” and require an additional subscription fee.
Live TV coverage is limited with Apple TV+. In fact, the only live broadcasts you’ll find on the platform are professional baseball and soccer. During baseball season, you can watch two live MLB games per week on “Friday Night Baseball.” Otherwise, if you’re a soccer fan, you can sign up for MLS Season Pass (at an extra cost) to catch every MLS match.
Apple TV+ DVR
Apple TV+ is primarily an on-demand streaming service (not a live TV streaming service), so there is no DVR feature. Instead, you can watch the content whenever you’d like or download it for offline viewing.
However, even though there’s no DVR, there are other ways to rewatch Apple TV+’s limited live TV events. For example, the service lets you watch recaps or full-game replays of “Friday Night Baseball” games. Also, if you have MLS Season Pass, you can replay live matches after they finish airing.
Apple TV+ viewing experience and video quality
Apple TV+ offers4K viewingon select titles, but you’ll need to have a compatible device (like an Apple TV 4K) to take advantage of this feature. Otherwise, the service will play content in 1080p (HD) or the highest-available quality supported by your device. You can adjust streaming and download quality in the service’s settings (for example, you can reduce the stream quality to save data).
Audio is available in languages other than English, and you’ll find subtitles in dozens of languages (on select movies and shows).
There were no issues with video quality while watching Apple TV+ for this review, but the speed of your network can affect your experience. The company recommends a minimum speed of 25 Mbps for 4K streaming.
Apple TV+ user profiles
Every Apple TV+ subscriber can set up Apple’s Family Sharing feature, which lets them add five additional users to their plan. Once logged in, each family member will have their own content recommendations, so there’s no overlap between users.
You can also use parental controls to ensure your children only access age-appropriate content. The setup process varies depending on your device, but if your kids use the Apple TV app on an Apple device (like an iPhone, iPad or Mac), you can configure the parental controls through the device’s Screen Time settings.
How does Apple TV+ compare?
Like its main competitors, Apple TV+ has a growing library of original films and TV shows — some of which have even won major industry awards. However, its catalog is still somewhat limited compared to rivals like Hulu, Netflix and Max, all of which have been producing original content for longer than Apple. Plus, in addition to original programming, these companies also have licensed movies and TV shows.
Apple TV+, on the other hand, has little non-original programming. In the past few months Apple TV+ started carrying about 50 non-original films at a time on a rotating basis. It’s the most licensed content that has ever been available to Apple TV+ subscribers, but it’s a drop in the bucket compared to other services’ movie libraries.
In terms of cost, Apple TV+ is on the higher end, putting it in close competition with Max. However, there are some unique ways to reduce the price of an Apple TV+ subscription — or, in some cases,get it for free. For example, the company offers a three-month free trial when you buy an Apple device. It’s part of Apple One, Apple’s discounted bundle of subscription services. And college students who have an Apple Music student subscription get Apple TV+ included for free.
| Streaming service | Monthly cost | Free Trial | DVR | Simultaneous streams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV+ | $9.99 | Yes | No | 6 |
| Hulu | $7.99 | Yes | Only with Live TV | 2 |
| Netflix | $6.99 | No | No | 2–4 |
| Peaco*ck | $5.99 | No | No | 3 |
| Max | $9.99 | No | No | 2–4 |
| Paramount Plus | $5.99 | Yes | No | 3 |
| *Prices are for each service's basic plan | ||||
How to subscribe to Apple TV+
Signing up for an Apple TV+ plan is fairly straightforward. Here’s how to subscribe on the web:
- Visit the Apple TV+ website
- If you’re joining Apple TV+ using a new eligible Apple device, click the button to redeem your promotion. If not, click the “Accept Free Trial” button. (If you’re already signed in with your Apple ID, the button might say, “Get Apple TV+.”)
- Sign in with your Apple ID. If you don’t have an Apple ID, you’ll need to create a new one.
- Follow the prompts to confirm your billing information and accept the terms and conditions.
After your free trial ends, Apple will charge the credit card linked to your Apple ID. If you don’t want to pay for a month’s worth of access to Apple TV+, make sure to cancel your plan before the trial is over.
How to cancel an Apple TV+ subscription
Need to cancel your Apple Plus TV plan? Follow these steps:
- Visit the Apple TV+ website athttps://tv.apple.com/.
- Click the “Sign In” button on the top right of the page. (If you’re already signed in with your Apple ID, you won’t see this button.)
- Click the account icon on the top right of the page.
- Click on “Settings.”
- Find the “Subscriptions” section, then click “Manage.”
- Click “Cancel Subscription.”
There’s one exception to this process: If you pay for Apple TV+ through Amazon, you’ll need to cancel your plan through Amazon.
FAQ
Is an Apple TV+ subscription worth it?
If you specifically want to watch Apple Originals, then an Apple TV+ subscription could be worth the money. Otherwise, you might be better off with another on-demand streaming service that offers licensed programming on top of its original content.
Is Apple TV+ better than Netflix?
It depends on your personal preferences. Both services offer original content that’s exclusive to their platform, but Netflix has a larger library that also includes non-original programming.
Can I watch sports on Apple TV+?
Yes, Apple TV+ gives you access to two live MLB games per week as part of its exclusive Friday Night Baseball program. If you’re a soccer fan, you can bundle your Apple TV+ plan with MLS Season Pass to watch every live MLS match.
Taylor Freitas is a freelance writer with more than 10 years of professional journalism experience. She has contributed to publications, including LA Weekly, CNET, ZDNET, and Bankrate. She holds a B.A. in Print and Digital Journalism from the University of Southern California.
