Is Apple TV+ Right for You?

Launching in November 2019, Apple TV+ is one of the newer on-demand streaming services available to consumers. It’s part of Apple’s attempt to compete with streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and others with original content. They’ve enlisted the help of well-known, high-profile names like Steven Spielberg, J.J. Abrams, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carell to create quality programming. Apple TV+ has a plethora of content to keep you entertained, but we recommend reading further to learn if this is the best option for cutting cable completely.

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

How does Apple TV+ compare?

See how Apple TV+ compares to the top streaming services with SmartMove's Streaming Service Comparison Table here!

Apple TV+ Frequently Asked Questions

What is Apple TV+?

Apple TV+ is a new streaming service Apple released November of 2019 that features their own Apple Originals, which include award-winning series such as The Morning Show with Jennifer Aniston. They also offer compelling dramas, groundbreaking documentaries, amazing kids’ entertainment, comedies, and more.

How to Setup Apple TV+?

Apple TV+ can be streamed on a number of connected TV devices such as the Apple TV (4K, HD, and 3^rd generation), Smart TVs such as the Samsung, LG, VIZIO, and Sony. They also recently added the capability to stream on current generation gaming consoles such as the PlayStation and Xbox. The service also extends to devices such as Roku and Amazon Fire TV. For a full list of compatible devices look here.

Can I watch Apple TV+ on my old Apple TV?

Apple TV+ is only available on fourth and fifth generation Apple TVs.

What shows are free on Apple TV Plus?

That all depends on which offer you choose. If you buy an Apple device, Apple TV+ is included free for one year. A monthly subscription is just $4.99 per month after a free seven-day trial. Apple TV+ is included in Apple One, which bundles up to five other Apple services into a single monthly subscription. Apple One plans start at $14.95 per month. The Apple Music Student Plan comes with a free subscription to Apple TV+

Does Apple TV+ have movies?

Yes! You can see some offerings on their website: https://tv.apple.com/?itscg=10000&itsct=atv-0-tv_ovp-prc_full-apl-avl-200306

Does Apple TV+ have live TV?

Apple TV+ offers some live event coverage, and it looks like they're headed further in that direction, with the recent hiring of Amazon former sports content lead, James DeLorenzo.

Can You Share Apple TV Plus?

You can share access with up to six people through family sharing.

Is Apple TV Plus on Roku?

Yes, you should be able to stream the service on most Roku devices.