Since launching in 2019, the Apple TV streaming service has gradually become a can't-miss app, especially for fans of sci-fi TV, soccer, and motorsports.
In our guide to the best streaming services, Apple TV ranks as the best for originals. Its water-cooler TV moments, particularly in the sci-fi genre, have catapulted the streaming service to must-have status. It's also become an awards show fixture thanks to hits like "The Studio," "Severance," "Pluribus," and "Ted Lasso." While Apple TV lacks a massive back catalog of licensed content like many of its competitors, its increased output of original programming and recent moves in sports streaming have kept it in the conversation.
We've rounded up everything you need to know about Apple TV below, including costs, plans, and free-trial details. You can also find a breakdown of some of Apple TV's best shows, movies, and sports offerings.
Apple TV may have a limited lineup compared to the more established services, but it's less expensive than other ad-free services and offers a growing selection of critically acclaimed series you can't stream anywhere else. The service also carries select movies and live sports, including MLS matches and Formula 1 races
What is Apple TV?
Apple TV is Apple's official streaming service, formerly known as Apple TV Plus. The streamer offers several critically acclaimed original TV series, select movies, and live sports.
The Apple TV streaming service is a paid option that appears as a tab in the standard Apple TV app, which is available to download in the App Store and automatically installed on all Apple devices. Apple TV is also the name of Apple's physical streaming device (like Roku or a Fire TV Stick).
How much does Apple TV cost?
Apple TV costs $13 a month for the monthly plan or $99 a month for the annual plan. It's one of the cheapest ad-free streaming services on the market, even after the most recent price hike.
When was the last Apple TV price hike?
The last price hike took place in August 2025. The monthly cost increased from $10 a month, but the annual price didn't change. This was the first price hike for the service since 2023. Apple TV, then Apple TV Plus, was launched at $5 a month in 2019.
Does Apple TV have a free trial?
Yes, Apple TV is one of the last remaining streaming services with a free trial. The Apple TV free trial is a seven-day period available to new customers. Eligible individuals who purchase a new Apple device can typically get three months (90 days) of Apple TV for free.
What shows and movies are on Apple TV?
Apple TV is best known for its original TV shows, first launching with TV series like "The Morning Show," "For All Mankind," and "Dickinson" in 2019. Over the years, the streaming service has carved out a niche for science fiction programming, including shows like "Severance," "Pluribus," "Foundation," and "Silo." It also has a sizable selection of hit comedies, including "Ted Lasso," "Shrinking," "Platonic," and "The Studio."
The film collection is a little more pared down, mostly featuring movies Apple has had some hand in producing or distributing. This includes award-winning films like "Killers of the Flower Moon" and "CODA," as well as some lighter flicks, such as "The Gorge" and "Fly Me to the Moon."
What sports are on Apple TV?
Sports have become an increasingly considerable part of Apple TV's appeal. The streaming service carries exclusive Friday Night Baseball games during the MLB season.
It's also the streaming home of Major League Soccer. Matches were originally available through Apple's MLS Season Pass (which you could add on to your Apple TV subscription or subscribe to separately), but beginning with the 2026 season, all MLS matches across the regular and postseason will be included in a standard Apple TV subscription.
2026 also marks the start of Apple TV's Formula 1 era. The streaming service took over the US broadcast rights from ESPN, beginning with the Australian Grand Prix in March. The agreement is a five-year partnership, so F1 will be on Apple TV for the foreseeable future.
Does Apple TV offer deals?
Apple TV occasionally offers special limited-time deals, although they're much rarer than we've seen from some other comparable services. These deals typically discount the first several months of service for eligible customers. The most recent Apple TV deal came during Black Friday and Cyber Monday in 2025. The sale discounted the first six months of service down to just $6 a month, offering over 50% in savings for new and qualified returning subscribers.
Can you bundle Apple TV with other services?
TV fans can bundle Apple TV with Peacock to save on their monthly streaming costs. Customers can bundle Apple TV with either Peacock Premium ($15 a month) or Peacock Premium Plus ($20 a month). Depending on which plan you choose, you can save anywhere from 33% to 37% each month compared to what you'd pay if you subscribed to the two services separately. It's one of the best streaming deals and bundles we recommend, especially if you're planning to subscribe to the two services anyway.
The standard Peacock and Apple TV bundle unlocks ad-supported on-demand content from Peacock's full library, select Peacock sports live streaming, and everything that Apple TV has to offer.
The Premium version of the bundle combines everything from the Apple TV service (live streaming and ad-free original content) and ad-free on-demand programming from Peacock. This tier also unlocks NBC live streaming.
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