Why try Apple TV+ over Netflix? Pricing, originals, more

When Apple announced the launch of its own streaming service, AppleTV+, in 2019, many people were doubtful that it’d be able to compete with Netflix as well as other giants like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.

But with the success of original shows like Ted Lasso and movies including the Oscar-winning Coda, Apple TV+ has made a pretty big name for itself. To help you decide if it’s a worthwhile subscription, especially with so much streaming competition, let’s go over what you get with the service and how it compares to Netflix.

What you get with Apple TV+

Apple TV+ originally launched as Apple’s home for original films and series, but in mid-2020 the company pivoted to also broadcasting licensed third-party content. It is a 24/7 streaming app that delivers video content through multiple devices, including PCs, phones, tablets, game consoles and Apple’s own Apple TV set-top box.

Apple TV+ is available on a monthly subscription and the app can be used on multiple platforms with a single subscription. Apple TV+ content is ad-free, unlike other services like Prime Video and some Netflix plans.

Apple has partnered with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, such as Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey, JJ Abrams, and even Sesame Street’s Big Bird to produce content for Apple TV+. That investment has paid off, as Apple TV programming has won many prestigious awards.

Apple’s content family-friendly

Like most streaming services, Apple is targeting a broad audience. However, the company has reportedly stated that it will avoid producing original content with nudity, raw language, and violence. The company even shelved Vital Signs, an autobiographical show about hip hop artist Dr. Dre, as Apple CEO Tim Cook was said to be “troubled” by its use of guns, sex, and drugs. That said, many Apple TV+ shows and movies do deal with adult themes. All programming on Apple TV+ is labeled with the standard rating icons of the country you’re watching it in, with additional detail as necessary.

Apple TV channels

The Apple TV app allows you to sign up for third-party streaming services. These are not part of an Apple TV+ subscription, and you do not need an Apple TV+ subscription to use them.

With Apple TV Channels, Apple partners with Paramount+, Starz, MGM+, and other streaming services in the US, as well as BFI Player, Starzplay, Acorn TV, and several others in the UK. Using your iTunes account for all payments and billing, you can access these services as individual subscriptions from within the Apple TV app.

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The best Apple Originals films and shows

Apple TV+ launched with just nine Apple Originals, but its content has expanded dramatically with dozens of shows and movies, along with third-party content. Here are five of the best things to watch on Apple TV+.

Ted Lasso

Arguably Apple TV+’s most successful series, Ted Lasso follows the life and times of a hapless American football coach who travels to England to take the helm of a struggling soccer team. Jason Sudeikis plays the titular role, and the show has taken home multiple Emmy Awards, as well as a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors’ Guild Award. Three seasons are available now, and while a fourth has yet to be officially announced, we’d be very surprised if it didn’t happen.

Severance

One of the most spectacular and disturbing sci-fi concepts we’ve seen in a while, Severance follows the employees of Lumon Industries, who agree to a procedure that separates their memories; when they’re at work, they don’t remember home life, and vice versa. This creates the groundwork for a twisted psychological drama as the “Innies” and the “Outies” try to reconcile what is happening to them and uncover a bizarre conspiracy. The first season is streaming and a second is on the way.

The Morning Show

The most high-profile show that Apple TV+ launched with, The Morning Show stars Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carrell in a series about what goes on behind the cameras of a morning news program after the co-host is fired for sexual harassment. It got off to a rough start but has found its footing and become a more straight-up absurdist comedy by the third season. A fourth one is on the way.

CODA

Directed by Siân Heder, CODA won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay. The feel-good movie follows Ruby, a teenage child of deaf parents who is the only one in her family who can hear. She struggles between pursuing her dream of becoming a singer or staying home to help her family’s fishing business. It’s a remarkable and touching movie that deserves all the acclaim it won.

For All Mankind

Created by Battlestar Galactica’s Ronald A. Moore, this is one of the longest-running shows on the service with four excellent seasons to date. Set in an alternate timeline where Russia beat America to the moon, the Space Race continues in earnest through the following decades as both the United States and its rivals rush to colonize outer space. It’s deep, engaging and full of surprises.

How much does Apple TV+ cost?

A single Apple TV+ subscription allows you to stream content through the Apple TV app on multiple devices. You can purchase it on its own or as part of a bundle through Apple One.

Apple TV+ offers a standalone family subscription at $9.99 / £8.99 / €6.99 per month, with a 7-day free trial and a promotional 3 months free for new Apple device purchasers, subject to eligibility and terms.

For broader services, Apple One bundles Apple TV+ with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and more, in three tiers: Individual at $19.95 / £18.95 / €19.95 per month including 50GB iCloud storage; Family at $25.95 / £24.95 / €25.95 per month for up to six family members with 200GB iCloud storage; and Premier at $37.95 / £36.95 / €34.95 per month, adding News+, Fitness+, and 2TB iCloud storage, available in over 21 countries.

For more details, check out our extensive guide on Apple One.

Apple TV+ has stiff competition

Apple TV+ faces competition from giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and Peacock, each offering a unique mix of shows, movies, and documentaries to attract different types of viewers.

Among these, Netflix stands out as Apple TV+’s top competitor, thanks to its huge variety of both original and licensed content that appeals to a global audience. Netflix’s early start in streaming helped it build a strong brand and a sophisticated recommendation system that keeps viewers coming back. Its broad device support and various subscription options further cement its position as a leading force in the streaming world.

However, Netflix does have ads on its base plan, plus expensive pricing tiers, and you can’t account/password-share for free.

Should you try Apple TV+ over Netflix?

Opting for Apple TV+ over Netflix is a great choice if you’re into top-notch, original shows and movies, and if you’re already using Apple devices. Apple TV+ is also easy on the wallet and lets you share your subscription with five other people. Plus, if you’re deep into the Apple ecosystem, the seamless experience and perks like 4K HDR streaming and offline downloads are just the icing on the cake.

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More Apple TV+ FAQ

Q. Where is Apple TV+ available?

Apple TV+ is available in 107 countries, including the US, the UK and most of Europe, Asia and South America.

Q. What devices support Apple TV+?

Apple TV+ is available through the Apple TV app that comes pre-installed on iOS/iPadOS devices and Macintosh computers. It is also included in the Apple TV set-top-box user interface. It’s available on select smart TVs (Samsung, LG and Sony), as well as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV devices and PlayStation and Xbox consoles.

You can subscribe to Apple TV+ and watch it on:

• An iPhone or iPod touch with the latest version of iOS.
• An iPad with the latest version of iPadOS.
• An Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD with the latest version of tvOS.
• An Apple TV (3rd generation) with the latest Apple TV software update.
• A smart TV, streaming box or game console that supports the Apple TV app.
• A Mac running the latest version of macOS.
• The website tv.apple.com using a Safari, Firefox or Chrome web browser.

Q. Which formats does Apple TV+ support?

You can watch Apple TV+ content in 4K Dolby Vision, 4K HDR10+, 4K HDR and 4K SDR. Many titles also offer Dolby Atmos and surround sound.

Q. Can you get Apple TV+ for free?

Yes. Any new iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Apple TV, or Mac purchased after September 10, 2019 is eligible for a three month free subscription to Apple TV+. To claim that offer, follow these instructions:

1. Turn on your Apple device and sign in with your Apple ID.
2. Open the Apple TV app. Make sure your device is running the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, or macOS.
3. The offer should be presented immediately after launching the app. If not, scroll down in Watch Now until the offer appears.
4. Tap Enjoy 3 Months Free.
5. You might be asked to enter your Apple ID password, confirm your billing information, or add a payment method. Billing will begin automatically after the three month trial has ended.