# What is the Difference Between Apple TV and Apple TV\+? - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/what-is-the-difference-between-apple-tv-and-apple-tv/ - Published: 2024-03-04 - Author: Kara Masterson - Categories: [Technology](https://33rdsquare.com/category/tech/) --- Apple TV and Apple TV+ – one is a handy media streaming box and the other a video subscription service. With such similar naming, it‘s easy to get confused between the two products from Apple. As someone who‘s reviewed electronics for over a decade, let me clearly explain exactly what each one is, how they work, and the key differences between Apple TV and Apple TV+. ## What is Apple TV? Apple TV is a digital media player developed and sold by Apple Inc. It allows you to stream audio, video, photos, games, and more from the internet and local network onto a connected TV. Some quick facts about the Apple TV hardware: - Released first in 2007, Apple TV is now in its 4th generation. - It comes in the form of a small, black box that connects to your TV‘s HDMI port. - Apple TV runs on the tvOS platform, based on Apple‘s iOS operating system. - It is powered by high performance Apple chips like the A12 Bionic and A15 Bionic. - You control Apple TV using the included Siri remote or Apple smartphones. - There are 2 main models currently: Apple TV HD (32GB) and Apple TV 4K (64GB). - Apple TV 4K supports video formats up to 2160p, plus HDR and Dolby Vision. - Pricing ranges from $129 for Apple TV HD to $179 for Apple TV 4K. According to Apple, the Apple TV box provides access to over 10,000 apps and streaming services. This includes popular options like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, YouTube, Sling TV, PlayStation Vue, and more. Of course, you also get full access to all of Apple‘s services on the Apple TV, like: - **Apple TV+** – Apple‘s original video programming service. - **Apple TV Channels** – Subscribe to premium networks like HBO, Showtime, Starz. - **iTunes Store** – Purchase or rent 100,000+ movies and shows. - **Apple Music** – 60+ million song streaming music catalog. - **Apple Arcade** – Play 100+ exclusive games. - **Apple Fitness+** – Video workouts for all fitness levels. - **Photos** – View your iPhone photos and albums on TV. - **AirPlay** – Stream video/music from Apple devices. Apple TV is also designed to act as a hub for your smart home devices using Apple HomeKit. You can view live feeds from security cameras, control lights, change temperature, and more. With Siri built-in, you can use voice commands to play shows, launch apps, search for content, and access information. ## What is Apple TV+? Apple TV+ is Apple‘s subscription-based video streaming service, similar to Netflix. It offers exclusive original content including TV shows, movies, and documentaries. Some key things to know about Apple TV+: - Launched November 2019 in over 100 countries. - As of June 2022, has over 20 million subscribers worldwide. - Offers ad-free access to Apple Originals valued at over $1 billion. - Content available in 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos quality. - Can download shows and movies to watch offline. - New Apple Originals added every month. - Monthly subscription of $4.99 after a free 7-day trial. - Can share one subscription with up to 6 family members. Apple TV+ has produced popular and critically praised shows such as Ted Lasso, Severance, For All Mankind, The Morning Show, See, and Mythic Quest. It releases new content almost every week from top Hollywood talent. According to Reviews.org, Apple TV+ offers the highest average video quality of streaming services based on bitrate. Even basic 720p content is encoded better than rivals. Apple TV+ is available through the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, select smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast, PS4, Xbox One, and the web at tv.apple.com. ## Major Differences Between Apple TV and Apple TV+ While the names sound almost identical, Apple TV and Apple TV+ target quite different needs. Here are the key differences: | Apple TV | Apple TV+ | | --- | --- | | A hardware device that connects to your TV to stream video from various apps and services. | A video streaming service offering original content from Apple. | | One-time purchase of the box starting from $129. | Monthly or annual subscription for access at $4.99/month. | | Provides 10,000+ apps like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, games, music, etc. | Provides only Apple produced movies and shows. | | Has channels, recommendations, voice search, Siri etc. | Video on-demand only. | | Runs the tvOS platform. | Content can be streamed on various devices. | | New hardware models every few years. | Library constantly growing with new content added monthly. | Simply put, Apple TV is the streaming device while Apple TV+ is the streaming service. They are part of the same ecosystem but target different needs. ## Do You Need Apple TV to Watch Apple TV+? This is a common question since Apple named their streaming service so similarly to the hardware device. But the good news is you do NOT need an Apple TV box to enjoy Apple TV+ shows and movies. The Apple TV+ service is available through the Apple TV app. This app comes preinstalled on all recent iPhones, iPads and Macs. So you can sign up for Apple TV+ directly on these devices and stream content. Additionally, the Apple TV app is also available on: - Smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, TCL and others - Streaming devices like Roku, Fire TV stick, Chromecast - Gaming consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox You can download the app on supporting platforms and enjoy Apple TV+ originals without purchasing the Apple TV box, although it does provide the best overall experience. ## Pros and Cons of Apple TV Here are some of the key benefits and drawbacks of the Apple TV hardware: **Pros:** - Sleek, intuitive and consistent tvOS interface. - Powerful performance with Apple‘s fast A-series chips. - Easy to use Siri remote with touchpad and voice control. - Deep integration with Apple services and ecosystem. - Universal search across different streaming apps. - Control your smart home using HomeKit and Siri. - Seamlessly stream content from iPhone and iPad using AirPlay. - Latest models support 4K, HDR10, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. - Thousands of apps and games available. **Cons:** - Higher upfront cost than competitors. - Not as many apps/channels as Roku or Fire TV. - New hardware only every few years. - Siri Remote lacks physical buttons. - Limited to Apple‘s ecosystem. ## Pros and Cons of Apple TV+ Some of the notable upsides and downsides of the Apple TV+ service: **Pros:** - Original, high quality and ad-free content. - Prestigious shows and movies starring big name talents. - 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos supported. - Intuitive Apple TV app available across devices. - Cheaper at $4.99/month versus Netflix or Hulu. - Share one subscription with family at no extra cost. - On-demand so you can watch anytime, anywhere. - Compatible with Family Sharing. **Cons:** - Fairly limited content library compared to Netflix. - No back catalog of licensed shows and movies. - Originals appeal most to Apple users. - No live TV channels. - Few titles for kids. ## Getting Apple TV+ for Free While Apple TV+ normally costs $4.99/month, there are a few ways you can score Apple‘s streaming service at no cost: - **1 Year Free with New Apple Device** – Get 12 months of Apple TV+ when you purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Mac. - **Free Trials** – Apple offers everyone a standard 7-day free trial on sign up. - **T-Mobile Perk** – Unlimited plan subscribers get Apple TV+ free. - **Verizon Promotion** – Get 6 months to 1 year free with select Verizon plans. - **Bundle Deals** – Services like Apple One include Apple TV+ in the package. Apple also occasionally offers free extended trials for limited periods, so keep an eye out for special promos. ## Which Should You Choose? At the end of the day, here are some guidelines on choosing between Apple TV and Apple TV+: - If you want to stream shows and movies from all the top apps, get the Apple TV device. - If you only care about Apple originals, an Apple TV+ subscription is sufficient. - Opt for Apple TV+ if you already have a supported streaming box or smart TV. - Get Apple TV for the best Apple-centric entertainment experience. - Consider bundling Apple TV+ as part of Apple One to save money. Hope this detailed breakdown clarifies what exactly Apple TV and Apple TV+ are, how they differ, and helps you determine which one you may need! --- Source: [What is the Difference Between Apple TV and Apple TV\+?](https://33rdsquare.com/what-is-the-difference-between-apple-tv-and-apple-tv/)