Apple TV+ is one of the youngest streaming services available today, having launched in 2019, but has quickly grown into a powerhouse of original TV shows, movies, documentaries, and more. While it may not release new content at the same clip as something like Netflix, it's only a fraction of the price and comes bundled with just about every new Apple device purchase, making it easier than ever to check out its growing library. Below, we'll break down what Apple TV+ is as a service, how much it costs, and where you can watch on your devices.
What is Apple TV+?
Apple TV+ is an award-winning streaming service featuring Apple Originals — exclusive series, movies, documentaries, and more, with new content added every month. While its library was a bit barebones when it launched in 2019, Apple TV+ has grown its library to nearly 100 series and 40 original films with breakout hits such as Ted Lasso, Severance, Silo, Foundation, The Morning Show, and many, many more. Apple TV+ is also the first streaming service to receive an Academy Award for its original film CODA, which released in 2022.
In our most recent review of Apple TV+, we called it "currently one of the best streaming services available in terms of consistent quality and affordability." While Apple TV+ may not boast a massive library like Netflix, it's long maintained a "quality over quantity" approach when it comes to its original programming with something that will surely appeal to just about anyone, regardless of age.
Apple has also started to take on new partnerships in the streaming space, with a new Godzilla-themed series called Monarch: Legacy of the Monsters hitting later this year that will tie directly into Legendary's Monsterverse which includes the recent Godzilla and Kong movies.
How Much is Apple TV+?
Apple TV+ is one of the least-expensive streaming services available today with plans available for $6.99 per month that can be shared with up to five family members. Since there's no ads by default, there's no ad-supported or limited tiers or to worry about. Additionally, Apple TV+ is included in a bundled service called Apple One that gives you access to Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and a 50GB iCloud+ plan for $16.95 per month (or $22.95 a month for a family plan).
If you're a current college or university student, you can sign up for a discounted Apple Music Student plan for $5.99 per month that includes Apple TV+ as well as access to Apple's music streaming service, aptly named Apple Music (which is normally a $10.99 per month standalone subscription on its own).
Apple TV+ is also available for free for three months with the purchase of any new Apple device such as iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV. Additionally, new users can try Apple TV+ free for seven days before committing to the monthly subscription price.
Where Can You Watch Apple TV+?
Apple TV+ is available to stream on all of your Apple devices including iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV set-top boxes. Additionally, you can stream Apple TV+ on a variety of internet-connected smart TVs, Roku devices, Amazon Fire TV devices, Google TV devices, as well as PlayStation and Xbox consoles. You can also AirPlay from an Apple device to any compatible AirPlay device to watch Apple TV+ if it doesn't feature the native app.
Matthew Adler is a Commerce, Features, Guides, News, Previews, and Reviews writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.
