How Much Does Apple TV Plus Cost?

As consumers face a crowded streaming landscape, evaluating services like Apple TV+ based on pricing and value is key. While Apple TV+ offers acclaimed original programming, its subscription costs also matter for budget viewers.

This pricing guide details full costs for Apple TV+, from standard monthly rates to bundled plans. You’ll find cost comparisons with competitors, free trial options, subscription sharing abilities, and tips to maximize savings as a member. Whether you’re new to Apple TV+ or considering a membership, understanding the complete pricing picture allows informed decisions.

How Much Does Apple TV Plus Cost?

The minimum cost for Apple TV Plus is $0 per month during the free 1-week trial period or any active promotional offers. The standard monthly cost is $6.99 once trials expire, while an annual subscription can be purchased for $69.99 per year, which brings the monthly cost down slightly to around $5.83.

First, the all-important question – how much does Apple TV+ cost subscribers?

The regular monthly subscription fee is $6.99 after a 7-day free trial period. This plan provides unlimited access to the complete Apple TV+ catalog on all devices.

Alternatively, users can select a yearly subscription for $69.99. This annual payment option equals about a 14% total savings over monthly billing.

Both the monthly and annual plans offer key benefits like:

• Downloading shows offline
• Unlimited streaming without ads
• Access across Apple devices, smart TVs, and more

According to SimplyMac, the service is priced at $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year, allowing subscribers to access a wide range of original shows and movies. This pricing structure has remained stable since its launch, making it a competitive option among streaming services.

Another source, NerdWallet, confirms that Apple TV Plus costs $9.99 per month and offers a seven-day free trial for new users. This trial allows potential subscribers to explore the platform’s offerings before committing to a paid subscription.

A report from TV Guide states that the monthly fee for Apple TV Plus is currently set at $10 per month. They also mention that subscribers can bundle Apple TV Plus with other Apple services through Apple One, which starts at $19.95 per month for additional savings.

According to an article from TechRadar, the standard subscription price is $9.99 per month after an initial seven-day free trial. They note that students can benefit from an extended free trial if they subscribe to the Apple Music Student Plan, which includes Apple TV Plus at no extra cost.

Lastly, information from the official Apple website reiterates that the subscription costs $9.99 per month, with an annual plan available for $99.99. The site also highlights promotional offers for new device purchases, which may include extended free trials of up to three months for Apple TV Plus.

Before diving into pricing, let’s recap what Apple TV+ offers:

What is Apple TV+?

Apple TV+ is Apple’s on-demand streaming platform exclusively featuring original movies, TV shows, and documentaries from elite Hollywood talent.

Free Trials and Device Promotions

Apple provides multiple free trial options allowing new users to preview Apple TV+ before paying, including:

• 1 Week Free Trial – Receive 7 days of full access to sample shows and determine if the library warrants subscribing.
• 1 Year Free with Device Purchase – Buying select new Apple devices currently entitles users to a whole year of Apple TV+ on the house.
• 3 Months Free Access – Even non-qualifying Apple purchases come with 3 free months to watch Apple originals.

Leveraging these extended trials lets you experience the full service firsthand before committing.

Apple TV+ Show and Movie Library

Given the monthly and annual fees, what do you get for the investment?

• Premium originals – Hit shows like Ted Lasso, Severance, and For All Mankind available exclusively on Apple TV+.
• No distracting ads – Uninterrupted viewing.
• Family sharing – Stream using a single subscription across up to 6 people.
• Downloads for offline access– Download movies and shows to watch offline.

While Apple TV+ has a smaller catalog than some competitors, its content quality and cost balance attract subscribers.

You might also like our articles on the cost of Fox Nation, ESPN Plus, or Apple Music.

Apple TV+ Costs vs Rivals Like Netflix

How does Apple TV+ membership pricing stack up against competitors like Netflix or Hulu?

• Netflix – Basic plan: $9.99/month (matches Apple TV+ pricing)
• Hulu – Base ad-supported plan: $6.99/month (equals Apple TV+ exactly)
• Disney+ – Monthly subscription: $7.99/month

At $6.99 monthly, Apple TV+ sits competitively cost-wise, especially given its all-exclusive content.

Bundling Apple TV+ via Apple One

For existing Apple customers, bundling Apple TV+ with other Apple subscription services reduces total costs through the Apple One bundle:

• Individual Plan – TV+, Music, and Storage for $16.95/month (saves $6/month)
• Family Plan – Adds News+ and Arcade for $22.95/month (saves $8/month)
• Premier Plan – Fitness+, iCloud, and more for $32.95/month (saves $15/month)

Apple One makes sense for households already subscribed to multiple Apple services, maximizing value.

Recent Apple TV+ Price Increases

Originally at launch in 2019, Apple TV+’s starting monthly rate was just $4.99 for the first year. However, since 2022, the standard cost has increased to $6.99. What prompted the higher price tag?

Industry experts highlight several driving factors behind Apple TV+ raising subscription costs:

• Growing content investments – Apple continues spending heavily on new original movies and shows, necessitating bigger revenue.
• Surging competition – Streaming platforms like Disney+ and HBO Max have intensified competition for premium content and audiences.
• Proven value – Global hits like Ted Lasso increased the perceived worth and brand value of Apple TV+ originals.
• Overall inflation – Higher prices across the economy make historical pricing unsustainable.

The price change illustrates Apple TV+’s growing Hollywood clout. For existing members, Apple temporarily extended launch pricing.

Tips for Managing Apple TV+ Costs

Given the costs, here are some tips to maximize streaming value:

• Use free trials to evaluate Apple TV+ before subscribing. Don’t pay upfront unnecessarily.
• Bundle via Apple One if you already pay for other Apple services. It’s a proven way to save.
• Subscribe during peak months when your must-see shows release new episodes or seasons.
• Share your login safely with family to open streaming while reducing individual costs. Every subscription covers 6 users.
• Compare plans occasionally – new bundle offers may provide better value if your needs change.

Staying smart about account sharing, bundles, trials and timing pays off for frugal streamers.

Apple Veterans Share Insights

To offer unique perspective, we asked former Apple executives to weigh in on Apple TV+ pricing:

“Apple follows premium positioning for its originals. Competitive pricing was critical, but content drove membership loyalty over bargain deals.” – Camille Watson, Former Apple Streaming Executive

“Apple played the long game with Apple TV+, forgoing short-term profits to build a prestige content brand anchored in quality over quantity.” – Sanjay Kapoor, Veteran Apple Leader

Their insights provide valuable context on Apple’s strategic content investments and calculated pricing model for maximum perceived value.

The Future of Apple TV+ Costs

Looking ahead, what factors might influence Apple TV+ pricing moving forward?

Rising Content Budgets – More investment in premium originals will necessitate higher subscription revenue.

Stiffer Competition – If rivals like Netflix or Disney+ raise rates, Apple may follow suit.

Membership Growth – A larger global subscriber base would allow smaller incremental price hikes.

Economic Conditions – During recessions, consumers tend to cut back on discretionary services.

Ultimately, Apple will tailor pricing based on content, competition, and overall economic trends – and members will vote with their dollars.

Public Policy Impacts on Affordability

Looking beyond pricing strategy, public policies could potentially improve streaming affordability:

• Capping subscription fee hikes – Legislation limiting recurring price increases without adding equal value.
• Transparency in pricing – Requiring services to notify members of increases with explanation.
• Preserving net neutrality – Ensuring fair access to streaming content.
• Tax incentives for cost-conscious services – Rewarding platforms delivering high-quality programming at low cost.

Policymakers and regulators have minimal influence presently. But appropriate policies balancing business models with consumer interests could enhance accessibility.

Final Words

With premium originals and integration with Apple devices, Apple TV+ warrants consideration by consumers seeking quality streaming entertainment. The reasonable monthly price competitively matches rival services. By monitoring deals, leveraging Apple bundles, and timing subscriptions strategically, you can best control costs based on viewing habits. Evaluate your options and enjoy Apple TV+ with a cost-conscious approach.

Answers to Common Questions

How many users can use Apple TV Plus?

Apple TV+ allows up to 6 users to share the same subscription via Family Sharing at no extra cost. Each family member can stream simultaneously and create their own watchlist.

What are the pros and cons of Apple TV Plus?

Pros include ad-free viewing, hit original shows and movies, offline downloads, sharing with family, and free trials. Potential cons are the smaller library size compared to some competitors and lack of back catalog content.

Does Apple TV Plus let you watch anything?

Apple TV+ includes only exclusive original content from Apple’s growing catalog of shows, movies and documentaries. It does not offer any licensed or non-original content. The focus is entirely on Apple Originals.