Apple TV+ Price Increase: What It Costs Now

Yes, Apple TV+ got more expensive. In October 2024, Apple raised the monthly price from $6.99 to $9.99, and the annual plan from $69 to $99. This article explains the new pricing, what changed, how it compares to competitors, and what you can do about it.

Background: Why the Price Went Up

Apple TV+ launched in November 2019 at $4.99 per month, a low intro price designed to attract subscribers. Over the years, Apple has gradually increased the cost as it expanded its original content library. The October 2024 increase was part of a broader adjustment that also affected Apple Arcade and Apple News+. Apple cited rising production costs and the need to fund more original programming as reasons for the hike.

Current Pricing and Plans

As of now, the standard Apple TV+ subscription costs:

• Monthly: $9.99
• Annual: $99 (effectively two months free compared to monthly)

There is also the Apple One bundle, which combines Apple TV+ with other services like Apple Music, iCloud+, and Apple Arcade. The individual Apple One plan now costs $19.95 per month, the Family plan $25.95, and the Premier plan $37.95. These bundles can offer better value if you use multiple Apple services.

How to Check Your Current Plan

If you’re unsure what you’re paying, here’s how to find out:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap your name at the top, then tap Subscriptions.
3. You’ll see a list of all your active subscriptions, including Apple TV+. Tap it to see the price and renewal date.

On a Mac, open the App Store, click your name at the bottom left, then click Account Settings and scroll to Subscriptions.

How to Save Money on Apple TV+

If the new price feels steep, there are several legitimate ways to reduce the cost:

• Switch to annual billing: The annual plan costs $99, which is $20 less than paying monthly for a year ($119.88).
• Bundle with Apple One: If you already pay for iCloud+ or Apple Music, the bundle may be cheaper than paying separately.
• Take advantage of free trials: New subscribers often get 7 days free, and some Apple device purchases include 3 months free. Check your device’s Apple TV app for offers.
• Share with family: Apple TV+ supports Family Sharing, so up to six people can share one subscription at no extra cost.

Comparison: Apple TV+ vs. Other Streaming Services

At $9.99 per month, Apple TV+ is now in the same price range as many competitors, but it has a much smaller library. Here’s a quick comparison (prices as of early 2025):

• Netflix (Standard with ads): $6.99/month, huge catalog
• Disney+ (Standard with ads): $9.99/month, large catalog including Marvel and Star Wars
• Max (With Ads): $9.99/month, extensive library including HBO originals
• Hulu (With Ads): $9.99/month, current TV shows and originals

Apple TV+ distinguishes itself with high-budget originals like Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, and Severance, but its catalog is far smaller. If you value quantity over exclusivity, other services may offer more for the same price.

Common Problems and Solutions

Subscribers often encounter a few issues after a price change:

• Unexpected charge: If you were on a free trial, it may have auto-renewed at the new price. Check your Subscriptions page and cancel if you didn’t intend to continue.
• Price increase not reflected: Sometimes the new price doesn’t show immediately. Wait a few days or contact Apple Support if it persists.
• Can’t access content after canceling: You lose access immediately after cancellation, not at the end of the billing period. If you want to keep watching, cancel on the last day before renewal.

Is It Worth the New Price?

Whether the $9.99 price is worth it depends on how much you watch. Apple TV+ releases a handful of new shows each month, but the library is curated rather than vast. If you’re a fan of Apple’s original programming and watch regularly, the annual plan at $99 is reasonable. If you only watch one or two shows, consider subscribing for a month or two and canceling until more content accumulates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Apple TV+ go up in price?

Yes, in October 2024, Apple TV+ increased from $6.99 to $9.99 per month, and the annual plan from $69 to $99.

Is there a way to get Apple TV+ for free?

Yes, new subscribers can get a 7-day free trial. Additionally, buying a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV often includes 3 months of Apple TV+ free. Check the Apple TV app after setting up your device.

Can I share my Apple TV+ subscription?

Yes, Apple TV+ supports Family Sharing, allowing up to six family members to share one subscription at no extra cost. All members must be part of the same Family Sharing group.

What happens if I cancel Apple TV+?

You lose access immediately upon cancellation. Your subscription will not renew at the end of the billing period, but you won’t get a refund for the remaining days.

Is Apple One cheaper than separate subscriptions?

If you use at least two other Apple services (like Apple Music and iCloud+), the Apple One bundle is usually cheaper than paying for each separately. For example, Apple One Individual costs $19.95/month, while Apple TV+ ($9.99) + Apple Music ($10.99) + iCloud+ 50GB ($0.99) would total $21.97.

Will the price increase affect existing subscribers?

Yes, the new price applies to all subscribers, including those who joined at the old rate. Apple typically notifies users via email before the change takes effect.

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