Is Apple TV free if you have an Iphone?
# Is Apple TV Free if You Have an iPhone?
Apple offers Apple TV+ streaming service free for limited periods with the purchase of new Apple devices like the iPhone. However, the Apple TV app and Apple TV+ streaming service are available on many platforms beyond just Apple devices. Here is a comprehensive look at the options for watching Apple TV for free with an iPhone or other Apple device, as well as paid subscription options.
## How to Get Apple TV Free with an iPhone Purchase
When you purchase a new iPhone, you may be eligible for free access to the Apple TV+ streaming service. Here are the details on how to redeem this offer:
– The free Apple TV+ offer must be redeemed within 90 days of activating your new iPhone.
– Eligible devices activated on or after September 10, 2019 can get one year of Apple TV+ for free.
– Devices activated on or after July 1, 2021 can get 3 months of Apple TV+ for free.
– Make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version. Open the Apple TV app, tap on any Apple original show or movie, and follow the prompts to sign in with your Apple ID and start your free trial.
– The offer is limited to one per Family Sharing group, so only one person in a family needs to claim it.
– After the free period ends, Apple TV+ will auto-renew at $4.99 per month unless canceled.
So in summary, buying a new iPhone gives you 3 months to 1 year of the Apple TV+ streaming service for free, providing access to Apple original movies and shows. Just make sure to claim the offer within 90 days of activating your iPhone.
## Can I Get Apple TV Free Without an iPhone?
You don‘t need an iPhone to take advantage of free access to Apple TV. Here are some other ways to watch for free:
– **New Apple Device:** Purchase any new iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV or Mac and you‘ll qualify for the free Apple TV+ offer.
– **Verizon Unlimited Plans:** Many Verizon unlimited cell phone plans include Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Apple Arcade.
– **T-Mobile:** T-Mobile offers Basic, Standard, and Premium plans that all include Netflix and Apple TV+ starting at $10/month.
– **Best Buy:** Purchase select products at Best Buy and get 6 months of Apple TV+ free.
– **Roku:** Enable the Apple TV app on a Roku device to get Apple TV+ free for 3 months.
So even if you don‘t have an iPhone, you can still likely find a way to access Apple‘s streaming service for free for a limited time. These offers provide a chance to sample the content before deciding if an ongoing paid subscription is warranted.
## What‘s Included in an Apple TV+ Subscription?
An Apple TV+ subscription provides access to Apple‘s library of original movies, TV shows, and documentaries. This includes popular shows like Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, See, and Foundation.
New content is added every month, with Apple committing to debut at least one new original every week. This includes series, movies, and documentaries across a variety of genres.
Apple TV+ is ad-free and shows are available for download for offline viewing. The service can be shared with up to 6 family members through Family Sharing.
Subscriptions auto-renew monthly after any free trial period for $4.99 per month, but can be canceled at any time. An annual subscription is also available for $49.99 per year.
So in summary, an Apple TV+ subscription provides ad-free access to all Apple original programming, with new shows and movies added weekly.
## Can I Access Apple TV+ on Non-Apple Devices?
While Apple would prefer you watch Apple TV+ on Apple devices, the app and service are available on many platforms:
– **Smart TVs:** The Apple TV app is available on most smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and other brands.
– **Roku:** Get the Apple TV app on Roku streaming players and Roku TV models.
– **Fire TV:** Install the Apple TV app on Amazon Fire TV streaming devices and Fire tablets.
– **Game Consoles:** Apple TV+ and the Apple TV app are supported on PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
– **Google Chromecast:** Cast Apple TV+ from iPhone or iPad to a TV using Chromecast devices.
– **Android and Windows:** Access Apple TV+ in a web browser at tv.apple.com. Limited app availability on Android and Windows devices.
– **Smart Speakers:** AirPlay 2 support allows you to stream Apple TV+ to speakers like HomePod.
So while Apple TV+ is designed as part of the Apple ecosystem, you can enjoy Apple‘s original programming on the streaming device or smart TV of your choosing.
## What‘s the Difference Between the Apple TV App and Apple TV+?
The Apple TV app and the Apple TV+ service are related but distinct:
– **Apple TV app** – This is the app used to access Apple TV channels, movies, TV shows and Apple TV+. Available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV devices, smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, game consoles, and the web.
– **Apple TV+** – This is Apple‘s on-demand streaming service consisting exclusively of original content like Ted Lasso. Accessible through the Apple TV app with a $4.99 monthly subscription.
– **Apple TV channels** – Optional channel subscriptions like HBO, Showtime, etc. available as add-ons within the Apple TV app.
So the Apple TV app is the portal to multiple services, while Apple TV+ is Apple‘s unique catalog of original programming, accessible with a subscription.
## Is Apple TV+ Worth the Monthly Subscription Fee?
Whether or not Apple TV+ is worth paying $4.99 per month comes down to:
– **Original programming** – Apple TV+ is focused on high-quality originals rather than a back catalog of older shows. Great if you want to watch new exclusive content.
– **Number of shows** – Relative to services like Netflix, Apple TV+ has fewer shows and movies. But the library is expanding quickly.
– **Ad-free** – Apple TV+ programming is all ad-free, which some viewers prefer.
– **Offline downloads** – Content can be downloaded to mobile devices to watch offline when traveling.
– **Cost** – At $4.99 per month, Apple TV+ is one of the more affordable streaming options.
– **Shareable** – Apple TV+ subscriptions support Family Sharing for up to 6 people.
Overall, Apple TV+ may appeal to viewers interested in new, exclusive originals from Apple‘s growing catalog of award-winning shows and movies. While the content selection is still ramping up, the ad-free experience and low monthly cost provide value.
## Can I Watch Apple TV+ for Free Without a Subscription?
While Apple TV+ does require a paid subscription, there are a few ways to stream shows for free:
– Claim the 1 year free offer when purchasing a new Apple device.
– Take advantage of free trials from cell phone carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile or Best Buy.
– Use the 3 month free trial when installing the Apple TV app on a Roku device.
– Check for occasional free Apple TV+ promotions offered for limited times.
– Participate in the Apple TV+ Student Plan for Apple Music subscribers.
While these options allow sampling Apple originals for free, an ongoing subscription will eventually be required to keep watching. But the offers provide a way to experience the service risk-free initially.
## How Does Apple TV+ Compare to Other Streaming Services?
How does Apple TV+ stack up against the competition? Here‘s how other popular streaming services compare:
– **Netflix:** Huge back catalog of shows and movies but no ads. More expensive base plan starting at $9.99 per month.
– **Hulu:** Large on-demand library with ads on base plan. Ad-free is $12.99 per month. Live TV option available.
– **Disney+:** Focused on Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic titles. Same $4.99 month price as Apple but less original programming.
– **HBO Max:** Home to HBO shows plus additional Warner Bros. movies and Max originals. Base plan with ads is $9.99 per month.
– **Peacock:** Free tier with ads. Premium for $4.99 per month with more content. Mix of classic shows and originals.
Overall, Apple TV+ sits on the affordable end of the pricing spectrum and stands out with its exclusive original content. For broader libraries of old and new shows, services like Netflix or Hulu may be better options.
## In Conclusion
While Apple would certainly prefer you subscribe directly on an Apple device, the company does make the Apple TV app and Apple TV+ widely available across platforms. There are opportunities to access the service for free for limited periods when purchasing Apple gear or through special promotions.
Apple TV+ differs from competitors in focusing exclusively on original content, counting on shows like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show to drive interest. At just $4.99 per month, Apple TV+ won‘t break the bank, but the smaller library may not satisfy those looking to replace cable TV. Overall, Apple TV+ is an affordable option for those interested in high-quality original programming.# Is Apple TV Free if You Have an iPhone? An In-Depth Look
As an avid TV and movie fan yourself, you may be wondering – can I get Apple‘s streaming video service Apple TV+ for free if I have an iPhone? Or do I need to purchase yet another subscription?
As an electronics expert who follows the latest in home entertainment technology, let me walk you through the ins and outs of Apple‘s streaming offerings, so you can make the most informed decision.
## Leveraging the Apple TV App Ecosystem
Let‘s start by understanding the Apple TV app. This app is like a central hub that houses all of Apple‘s streaming content and services, including:
– **Apple TV+** – Apple‘s Netflix-like subscription service with only original movies and shows.
– **Apple TV channels** – Optional extra subscriptions like HBO Max, Showtime, etc. that you can add on.
– **iTunes movie/TV show purchases** – Movies and shows you can buy or rent through Apple.
The Apple TV app is available across Apple devices like the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV box, but also can be installed on select smart TVs, Roku devices, Amazon Fire TV, game consoles, and even the web at tv.apple.com.
So the Apple TV app serves as the gateway to multiple Apple streaming services – the question is, which features can you access for free with just an iPhone?
## Getting Apple TV+ With an iPhone Purchase
Now, here‘s the exciting part. According to Apple‘s website, purchasing a new iPhone entitles you to 3 months of Apple‘s streaming service Apple TV+ for free!
According to tech analyst Ben Thompson of Stratechery, over 1 billion Apple devices are in use worldwide. So this promotion clearly helps Apple rapidly build an audience for its original programming.
To redeem this offer, you simply need to:
1. Make sure your new iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version.
2. Open the Apple TV app, tap on any show or movie, and follow the instructions to sign-in and start watching.
3. Activate the offer within 90 days of your iPhone purchase date.
After the free period ends, Apple TV+ will automatically renew at a cost of $4.99/month. But you can cancel anytime, so this gives you a nice 3 month preview to see if you enjoy Apple‘s original shows and films.
And remember – this offer applies to any new iPhone model, whether you get the iPhone 14 Pro Max or the lower cost iPhone SE. So purchasing any iPhone grants access to this Apple TV+ promotion.
## Alternative Ways to Watch Apple TV+ for Free
What if you don‘t want to buy an iPhone right now but still want to try Apple TV+ free? Not to worry, you have options:
– **New Apple device** – Buying any new Apple device – an iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV box, etc – also makes you eligible for the Apple TV+ free trial.
– **Cell phone carrier deals** – Major U.S. carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile and Best Buy often include 3-6 months of Apple TV+ free with certain plans.
– **Apple TV app on Roku** – Enable the Apple TV app on a Roku streaming device, and you can get Apple TV+ free for 3 months.
– **Limited time promotions** – Apple sometimes offers special Apple TV+ deals like its 2021 holiday promotion with Walmart for 6 months free.
– **Apple Music student plan** – College students who subscribe to Apple Music for $4.99/month can also access Apple TV+ at no extra cost.
As you can see, Apple provides many paths to experience its original movies and shows free for an extended introductory period. This helps hook new viewers on addictive series like Ted Lasso and Severance.
## A Look at Apple TV+ Original Programming
What will you actually find on Apple TV+ if you do sign up?
According to Apple, Apple TV+ viewers have already streamed over 2 billion hours of original movies, shows, and documentaries. Some of the service‘s top hits include:
– **Ted Lasso** – Jason Sudeikis‘ feel-good sports comedy that swept the 2021 Emmys with 7 wins.
– **Severance** – A dystopian office drama with an elite ensemble cast that built major buzz.
– **The Morning Show** – A newsroom exposé anchored by Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and Steve Carell.
– **CODA** – The heartwarming coming-of-age film that made Apple the first streamer to win Best Picture at the Oscars.
Apple is also investing big in international shows, partnering with acclaimed international studios to produce foreign language content and build a global audience.
And with deep pockets, Apple plans to keep expanding its catalog, aiming to premiere at least one new original every week. So the library will continue growing quickly.
## Using Apple TV+ on Popular Streaming Platforms
While Apple wants you to watch Apple TV+ on its own devices, the company does make the app widely available to reach all audiences.
Apple TV+ is accessible on:
– **Smart TVs** – Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, TCL and most other smart TVs support the Apple TV app.
– **Roku devices** – Apple TV+ can be viewed on all Roku streaming players and Roku TVs.
– **Amazon Fire TV** – The Apple TV app is available on Fire TV sticks, Fire TV Edition smart TVs, and Fire tablets.
– **Game consoles** – Both Xbox and PlayStation systems allow you to install and watch Apple TV+.
– **Google Chromecast** – Cast Apple TV+ from your mobile device to TVs with Chromecast or Chromecast built-in.
– **Smart speakers** – Use AirPlay 2 to stream Apple TV+ from your iPhone or iPad to speakers like HomePod.
So however you prefer to stream on your home theater setup, Apple provides the Apple TV app across almost all major platforms.
The one exception is Android mobile devices, where the app is not fully supported. But you can still access Apple TV+ through the web.
## Comparing the Cost of Apple TV+ to Other Streamers
At only $4.99 per month, Apple TV+ is one of the most affordable streaming options available today. Here‘s how it compares:
– Netflix starts at $9.99 per month for basic SD streaming with ads coming soon.
– Hulu‘s ad-supported plan is $7.99 per month, going up to $14.99 per month ad-free.
– Amazon Prime Video is included with Prime membership at $14.99 per month or $139 per year.
– HBO Max costs $9.99 per month with ads or $14.99 ad-free.
– Disney+ is priced similarly to Apple at $7.99 per month.
So you could easily spend twice as much or more for streaming services from other brands. And Apple TV+ lets you share your account with up to 5 family members, so the price gets even more affordable when split.
## Is Apple TV+ Worth Paying For?
Based on Apple TV+‘s cost and content catalog, is a paid subscription worthwhile for you? Here are some key benefits that make it enticing for many viewers:
**Ad-free experience** – Apple TV+ programming is 100% ad-free, which some viewers strongly prefer for uninterrupted watching. Of course, you‘re already used to ads from traditional cable TV.
**Downloadable episodes** – Apple allows you to download movies and shows to your iPhone, iPad or Mac to watch offline when traveling or without an internet connection. Very convenient for plane rides or your commute!
**Original exclusives** – Apple TV+ is focused entirely on original content you can‘t watch anywhere else. Great if you‘re excited by the buzz around shows like Severance and Ted Lasso.
**Growing catalog** – While smaller than Netflix, Apple TV+‘s library expands every week with new big budget exclusives.
**Affordable cost** – At only $4.99 per month, Apple TV+ is budget-friendly compared to alternatives like HBO Max that are twice the monthly price.
**Shareable subscription** – The ability to share your subscription with family makes Apple TV+ a pretty compelling value.
Give Apple TV+ a try during one of the free promotions, and I think you‘ll quickly get hooked on the service‘s standout originals and ad-free streaming experience. Apple may not compete yet on quantity of content, but provides quality productions you won‘t find on any other service.
I hope this guide has helped illuminate how Apple‘s streaming offerings work across its devices and platforms. Let me know if you have any other questions!