Are you considering subscribing to Apple’s streaming service but confused about Apple TV plans and pricing? You’re not alone. With recent price changes and multiple subscription options, understanding what Apple TV plans offer can be challenging. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Apple TV plans in 2025.
Understanding Apple TV Plans: What You Need to Know
Before diving into Apple TV plans and pricing, it’s important to understand what you’re paying for. Apple TV (formerly Apple TV+) is a subscription-based streaming service offering exclusive original content including award-winning series, movies, documentaries, and live sports programming.
Current Apple TV Plans Pricing
As of late 2025, Apple TV plans cost $12.99 per month following a price increase in August 2025, up from the previous $9.99 monthly fee. This represents the third price increase since the service launched at $4.99 in 2019.
Monthly Subscription:
- Standard monthly plan: $12.99/month
- No tiered options or ad-supported versions currently available
- Includes unlimited 4K HDR streaming
- Ad-free viewing experience
- Family sharing enabled for up to six people
Annual Subscription: While the monthly cost increased, Apple kept the annual subscription at $99, making it the smartest choice for long-term subscribers. By paying annually, you save approximately $56 compared to paying monthly for twelve months.
Apple TV Plans for Students
Students can access Apple TV through the Apple Music Student Plan for just $5.99 per month, which includes Apple TV at no additional cost. This incredible deal requires annual verification of student status but represents significant savings for eligible subscribers.
Apple One Bundle Plans: Maximum Value
For those invested in the Apple ecosystem, Apple One bundles provide exceptional value by combining multiple services into Apple TV plans packages.
Individual Plan – $19.95/month Includes Apple TV, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and 50GB of iCloud+ storage, saving approximately $9 monthly.
Family Plan – $25.95/month Offers the same services as Individual with 200GB of iCloud+ storage and sharing for up to six people, saving about $11 monthly.
Premier Plan – $37.95/month Adds Apple News+ and Apple Fitness+ with 2TB of iCloud+ storage and six-user sharing.
These bundled Apple TV plans make sense if you’re already using or planning to use multiple Apple services.
Free Trial Options for Apple TV Plans
New subscribers can test Apple TV plans before committing financially.
Apple TV offers a seven-day free trial for new subscribers, accessible directly through the Apple TV website or Prime Video Channels.
Device Purchase Promotion: Purchasing a new Apple product makes you eligible for a three-month free trial of Apple TV, provided you activate within 90 days of setting up your device. This applies to iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other eligible Apple hardware.
Special Partnership Plans
Apple TV and Peacock Bundle
Launched in late October 2025, subscribers can bundle Apple TV with Peacock Premium for $14.99 monthly, saving nearly 47% compared to subscribing separately. This partnership offers tremendous value for viewers wanting access to both platforms’ original content and live sports programming.
Carrier Deals
Many cellular providers offer Apple TV plans as perks. T-Mobile previously offered Apple TV “On Us” with certain premium plans, though this benefit will transition to a $3 monthly charge effective January 2026. Check with your carrier about current Apple TV plan promotions.
What Do Apple TV Plans Include?
Original Content Library
Apple TV plans provide access to an impressive catalog of exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else.
Hit Series: Popular shows include “Severance,” “The Studio,” “The Morning Show,” “Slow Horses,” and the new sci-fi series “Pluribus” from “Breaking Bad” creator Vince Gilligan.
Award-Winning Programming: The platform has become synonymous with quality over quantity, featuring Emmy-winning shows and critically acclaimed originals that compete with any streaming service.
Movies: The movie lineup includes titles like “The Family Plan 2” and “F1 The Movie” starring Brad Pitt.
Sports Content: Apple TV plans include access to MLB’s “Friday Night Baseball” live games and Major League Soccer matches, with MLS games available at no additional cost to subscribers in 2026. The service will also become the exclusive U.S. home for Formula 1 races starting in 2026.
Technical Features
Apple TV plans offer premium technical specifications without tiered pricing:
- 4K HDR streaming on all compatible devices
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support
- Offline downloads for mobile viewing
- Simultaneous streaming on multiple devices
- Cross-device syncing and resume playback
How Apple TV Plans Compare to Competitors
Understanding where Apple TV plans fit in the streaming landscape helps determine if the service meets your needs.
At $12.99 monthly, Apple TV costs less than Netflix’s Standard plan ($15.99) and Disney Plus ($15.99), though slightly more than ad-supported tiers from competitors. However, Apple TV remains entirely ad-free with 4K included at no extra charge, unlike Netflix which charges more for premium resolution.
The main trade-off? Content volume. Apple TV plans focus on quality originals rather than massive libraries of licensed content. If you prefer exclusive, critically-acclaimed shows over endless catalog options, Apple TV plans deliver exceptional value.
Canceling Your Apple TV Plan
Life changes, and your streaming needs might too. Apple TV plans offer flexibility with no cancellation fees or penalties.
On iPhone or iPad: Navigate to Settings > Your Name > Subscriptions, tap Apple TV, and select Cancel Subscription.
On Mac: Open App Store, click your name, choose Account Settings, find Subscriptions, click Manage, then Cancel Apple TV.
On Web: Visit tv.apple.com, sign in, go to Settings > Subscriptions to manage your plan.
Your access continues until the end of your current billing cycle, so you can finish watching your favorite shows.
Tips for Maximizing Your Apple TV Plans Value
Getting the most from your subscription requires strategic thinking.
Choose Annual Billing: Save $56 yearly by paying the $99 annual fee instead of monthly charges.
Explore Apple One: If you use multiple Apple services, bundling through Apple One dramatically reduces overall costs.
Student Verification: Eligible students should absolutely take advantage of the $5.99 Music plan that includes Apple TV.
Share with Family: Use Family Sharing to split costs among up to six people, making individual expenses minimal.
Watch New Releases: Apple TV releases new episodes weekly for many series. Subscribe during premiere months to binge new seasons, then consider pausing if you’ve watched everything interesting.
Black Friday and Promotional Deals
During Black Friday 2025, Apple TV offered significant discounts, including partnerships with Prime Video offering 50% off the monthly subscription price. Watch for seasonal promotions, especially around major holidays and new device launches.
Is an Apple TV Plan Worth It in 2025?
Whether Apple TV plans suit your entertainment needs depends on several factors.
You should subscribe if:
- You love high-quality, award-winning original content
- You prefer ad-free viewing experiences
- You already use Apple products and services
- You follow specific shows like Severance, Ted Lasso, or Slow Horses
- You want access to exclusive sports programming including MLS and Formula 1
Consider alternatives if:
- You need extensive back-catalog libraries
- You primarily watch movies over series
- You’re extremely budget-conscious and satisfied with ad-supported options
- You prefer reality TV and licensed syndicated content
Apple TV has evolved dramatically, becoming home to award-winning shows while maintaining its commitment to quality over quantity. The service delivers consistently excellent programming that justifies the subscription cost for viewers who appreciate premium storytelling.
Future of Apple TV Plans
Apple continues investing heavily in original content, securing exclusive sports rights, and expanding its global footprint. The platform shows no signs of slowing down, with major releases scheduled throughout 2025 and beyond.
While some industry observers speculate about potential ad-supported tiers, Apple TV currently maintains its premium, ad-free positioning. This strategy differentiates the service in an increasingly crowded streaming market.
Conclusion
Apple TV plans have evolved into a compelling streaming option for viewers who prioritize quality over quantity. With the monthly subscription now at $12.99 or annual pricing at $99, the service positions itself as a premium offering in the streaming landscape.
For maximum value, consider the annual subscription or Apple One bundles if you use multiple Apple services. Students should definitely take advantage of the Apple Music plan that includes Apple TV. With its growing library of award-winning originals, exclusive sports content, and commitment to ad-free viewing, Apple TV plans deliver solid entertainment value for the right audience.
Whether you’re drawn to psychological thrillers like Severance, feel-good comedies like Ted Lasso, or upcoming sports programming including Formula 1, Apple TV plans provide access to content you simply can’t find elsewhere. Start with the free trial to determine if the service matches your viewing preferences, then choose the subscription option that fits your budget and viewing habits.
Ready to explore what Apple TV offers? Visit tv.apple.com to start your free trial and discover why millions of subscribers consider Apple TV plans essential to their entertainment lineup.
FAQs
How much does Apple TV cost per month?
Apple TV costs $12.99 per month as of August 2025, with an annual option available for $99.99.
Is there a free trial for Apple TV?
Yes, new subscribers receive a seven-day free trial. New Apple device purchasers get three months free when activated within 90 days.
Can I share my Apple TV subscription?
Absolutely. Apple TV plans support Family Sharing for up to six people at no additional cost.
What’s included with Apple TV plans?
All Apple TV plans include unlimited access to exclusive original series, movies, documentaries, kids programming, and select live sports, all in 4K HDR without advertisements.
Does Apple TV have ads?
No. Apple TV plans are completely ad-free, providing uninterrupted viewing experiences.
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