Is Apple TV+ Right for You?

Apple TV+ is a subscription-based video streaming service. The app, which allows up to six users per subscription, is ad-free. They primarily focus on original content only available through the app, such as Ted Lasso, Truth Be Told, and Mr. Corman. They also have a variety of children’s content, including Ghostwriter, Helpsters, and The Snoopy Show.

What are people saying about Apple TV+?

"[t]he main problem with Apple TV+ is that its offerings are limited compared to many of its competitors … Professional reviewers generally agree that what’s available is genuinely good entertainment." - Mackenzie Roche, U.S. News

"Apple TV Plus has made strides in the last year or so and will continue to improve in the future, with more star-studded originals on the way. But until it adds a catalog of familiar shows or a buzzy original, it will remain a secondary streaming choice." - Alison DeNisco Rayome, CNet

"Apple TV+ is impressive from a technical standpoint, but its current library of original content is not competitive with that of top-tier video streaming services." - Michael Muchmore, PCMag

"Apple TV+’s content is entertaining enough and brilliantly produced but, currently, there’s nowhere near enough of it."  - What Hi-Fi

"The only chink in the Apple armor is that the Apple TV+ app can be a little confusing at times, the original content is a bit paltry for now, and—this is not Netflix." - John Brandon, Reviews.org

"As with all things Apple, the presentation is gorgeous; the truckloads of cash laid out to launch Apple TV+ is on full display. Even better, Apple TV+ will run on devices that aren’t iOS." - Bill Frost, CableTV.com

"There needs to be more content even as a free service in order for me to count it as a go to channel." - Michelle, Consumer Reviewer, Consumer Affairs

*Disclaimer:  Streaming service ratings are calculated as an average from authoritative sources around the web.  The views and options expressed do not necessarily reflect the official views of SmartMove.
 

What do you get with Apple TV+?

Apple TV+ offers a selection of Apple Originals which includes TV shows, documentaries, and movies as well as new Apple Originals added every month.

• TV shows such as Ted Lasso, Trying, Oprah Talks, Mythical Quest, and the Morning Show.
• Kid’s content such as Doug Unplugs, Stillwater, Fraggle Rock, and Helpsters.
• Documentaries such as Earth At Night, Becoming You, Tiny World, and Little America.
• Original Music series from Billie Eilish, Sara Bareilles, and Bruce Springsteen’s Letter To You.
• Sports content such as Greatness Code.
• Movies such as Palmer, On The Rocks, Greyhound, and The Banker.

How is Apple TV+ different than a traditional streaming service?

There are two key differentiators between Apple TV+ and a more traditional cable service.  First, Apple TV+ does not include or feature any live TV content.  You will be unable to watch live news or live sports through this platform.  To do that, you’ll need to supplement your entertainment package with another service.  Secondly, on a more positive note, Apple TV+ has some of the highest quality streaming out there with 4K offered in the base package.  Other streaming services may charge a premium for this package.  

What do you need to get Apple TV+?

Apple TV+ requires an Internet connection with a speed of at least 2.5 Mbps for SD content, though we advise having a faster connection of up to 25 Mbps for 4K/HDR content if you have multiple devices connected and streaming all at once. Then all you need is a compatible device to stream your favorite content on. As this is an Apple owned service, almost all Apple devices allow you to stream your favorite movies and shows. With that said, they currently do not support Android devices, with the exception of some smart TVs such as Sony. However, the app can be found on Apple TV devices, Chrome OS, Apple phone/tablet, even from a current generation PlayStation or Xbox console.

How much does Apple TV+ cost?

There’s currently a few offers to choose from.

• Purchase an Apple device which will include Apple TV+ free for one year
• Sign up to a monthly subscription for $4.99 after a 7-day free trial
• Bundle it with the Apple One service which combines other services such as Apple Music, Apple iCloud storage, and more. The Apple One bundle starts at $14.95/month