Monthly archives: August, 2021

If you’re curious about the Apple TV, you’ve come to the right place. Our guide will take you through exactly what Apple TV is and what it offers. Let’s start with the basics!

Apple TV basics

The Apple TV is a streaming media device, a.k.a. a set-top box, a squarish device that’s designed to sit by your TV and provide content. You connect it to your TV with an HDMI cable, and to your home’s wireless network; then you can use Apple’s platform to watch your favorite streaming apps and view a variety of online content, such as Netflix shows and streaming music. It can’t connect to your cable or satellite, but it is a potential substitute for cable, and works well within the Apple ecosystem. Competitors include the Amazon Fire TV Stick and the Roku Premiere.

Available Apple TV devices

There are currently two different Apple TV models for sale, the Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K. Both come with an Apple TV remote that holds microphones for Siri, a touchpad for navigating, and buttons for controlling volume, menus, and more. But the Apple TV 4K is the more advanced model, and we recommend it if you’re considering a purchase.

Apple TV HD

This is a 32GB model that includes an HDMI 1.4 connection, USB-C port for serving, Ethernet connection, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi support with MU-MIMO compatibility. It uses an A8, 64-bit processing chip. As the name indicates, it can support up to 1080p video formats and up to 60fps with the right H.264 video standard.

Apple TV 4K

Externally, the 4K version of the Apple TV looks very similar to the HD version. Inside, there are several important differences: The HDMI port has been updated to support the 2.0a standard, and dual-band Wi-Fi support has been added. The processor has been updated to an A10X Fusion chip for faster performance. This model supports up to 2160p resolution and 60fps, as well as Dolby Vision and HDR10 for improved video quality. You also have the option to bump up storage to 64GB, if you like storing movies or games on the Apple TV itself.

Apps and compatibility

Jeffery Van Camp/Digital Trends

Apple TV supports more than 50 different apps and channels that you can load onto the device and sign into to watch your favorite content on your TV. That includes traditional streaming favorites like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and so on. It also includes smaller network channels like ESPN, ABC News, CBS, and so on, as well as larger platforms like Sling TV, Spectrum, and AT&T TV. If any of these services offer live TV content or streaming equivalents of cable channels, you will be able to view it with the Apple TV, too.

You also have the option to buy or rent movies and shows directly from Apple and store them on your Apple TV for easy viewing, within the limits of the device’s storage. Or you can download games from Apple Arcade and play them from your Apple TV.

Controls and interface

Apple TV controls are easy to master through the simple remote, although the touchpad may take a little getting used to. Apple TV can also sense your remote’s position, so you can move it around as a cursor by waving the remote, although this can be a bit unreliable. You can also download the Apple TV Remote App on a mobile device and use that instead.

The home screen itself is simply a collection of apps you can enter. It’s bare-bones, but also customizable, as you can move apps around to make sure your favorites are up top. This is also where you can find settings, apply updates, and other straightforward tasks.

Apple’s own TV app user interface has an especially friendly design that evokes Netflix, with options to resume watching content and recommendations for what to watch next (it’s a pity the home screen doesn’t look as good). You can also go to different sections for Movies, TV, Sports, Kids, or a full Library of your content — and this can connect with other popular apps like Hulu and HBO so you can see their content from the TV app, although many big apps like Netflix and YouTube still aren’t supported. Overall, searching and switching between profiles is made very easy, and you can quickly turn off the Apple TV, your TV, and any other connected devices all at once.

Apple TV and tvOS

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The Apple TV platform is called tvOS. Like iOS, iPadOS, and MacOS, tvOS gets consistent updates that can improve quality, add new features, and change the appearance of the interface. Apple also likes to recommend that developers use the tvOS SDK when creating video games, so they will be guaranteed to work well on your screen.

Smart capabilities

Bill Roberson/Digital Trends

Starting with that remote and its microphones for Siri, the Apple TV has a variety of smart features for greater control and automated functions. Here are some of the most important.

Siri: While it may seem strange to talk to Siri right on your remote, this actually provides a number of useful shortcuts. Commands like, “Play the latest episode” of your favorite show, or “What football games are on now?” can help save a lot of time. You can also tell Siri to open individual apps, play your favorite music, browse a certain genre, and more.

AirPlay: Apple TV has AirPlay compatibility, which means you can send content from your mobile device to your TV to change where you’re watching a show, without losing track.

Parental restrictions: For family households, Apple TV lets you set a variety of restrictions, including blocking the ability to make purchases or access any content marked as explicit. You can also choose to filter content based on foul language, ratings, or age markers, as well as disable multiplayer gaming and location services, depending on your goals.

Family sharing: Multiple profiles don’t have to buy the same content thanks to family sharing. When one person buys something, everyone can watch it.

Bluetooth compatibility: You can connect keyboard, headphones, and game controllers to your Apple TV through Bluetooth to customize your experience. AirPods can automatically pair and connect too if you want a more private experience.

House hub: If you use HomeKit-compatible smart devices, Apple allows you to designate a device as a home hub to manage those smart devices in concert. This adds new automation features to the Home App, more suggestions about how to set scenes with your smart home, and generally easier controls. Apple TV is one of the devices that can be set as the home hub, along with the Apple HomePod and newer iPads. This is primarily a background activity done via iCloud, but it’s nice to know that it’s there.

Apple TV vs. Apple TV+

There’s also a service called Apple TV+, which understandably causes frequent confusion for newcomers. Apple TV is the device itself. Apple TV+ is a separate service that Apple offers, its own streaming service with a monthly fee and access to a variety of content, especially original Apple content and games that aren’t available anywhere else.

Apple TV+ is not required to use the Apple TV, and is primarily designed for those who want to add Apple’s own content to the streaming apps they already use. However, you do get a free year of Apple TV+ when you buy an Apple TV. Otherwise, it’s $5 per month.

Future Apple TVs

You may be asking yourself, “With the Apple TV app available on all my devices, do I really need an Apple TV device? I already have a smart TV, after all.” This line of thought is why some wonder if Apple will continue its line of Apple TV devices. Rumors suggest that a sixth-generation Apple TV device is on its way, one that includes more storage for Apple Arcade games, a revamped Kids mode, and updated processors to handle more complex tasks, maybe even something similar to an Apple TV game console. But until it does, who knows? We’ll keep you updated if this develops further.

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Get all your favorite TV, all in one app.
Watch critically acclaimed Apple Original series and films from Apple TV+. Buy or rent new and popular movies. Subscribe to premium channels. All curated and personalized for you.

Try Apple TV+ free for 7 days. Apple TV+ features Apple Originals — award-winning series, compelling dramas, groundbreaking documentaries, kids’ entertainment, comedies, and more — with new Apple Originals added every month.

Apple TV app helps you:

• Watch new, exclusive Apple Originals every month on Apple TV+, like Greyhound, Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, Defending Jacob, Central Park, For All Mankind, Ghostwriter, and more.

• Buy or rent new release movies or explore the catalog of over 100,000 movies and shows—including the largest selection of 4K HDR titles.

• Try Apple TV channels, including Paramount+, SHOWTIME, Starz, Epix and more. Subscribe to just the channels you want and share with your family. Channels play on the Apple TV app ad-free, online or off—no additional apps, accounts, or passwords needed.

Apple TV app makes watching TV easier:

• Watch Now includes Up Next—your personal watchlist. It helps you quickly find and watch your favorites, plus resume what you’re already watching from the moment you left off, across all your devices.

• Easily find all of your purchased movies and shows in the Library tab. Browse by recently added, downloaded, genre, and more.

If you subscribe to any Apple TV Channels, payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew until cancelled at least 24 hours prior to the end of a billing period. Simultaneous streams are limited on a per subscription basis. The availability of Apple TV features, channels and content may vary by country or region. Manage and cancel your subscriptions by going to account settings in the Apple TV app after purchase. For the privacy policy, see: https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/en-ww and for Apple TV app terms and conditions, visit https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/us/terms.html

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Table of contents

01What is Apple TV Plus?02Is it worth it?03Where is it available?04How much does it cost?05How to sign up06Compatible devices07Apple TV Plus shows and movies08Apple TV Channels09Best alternatives10Other FAQ11Polls

Adamya Sharma / Android Authority

Apple helped to launch the personal computer revolution in the 1980s with its Mac PCs. It revolutionized the music industry in the 2000s with the iPod and iTunes. It jump-started the smartphone business with the iPhone in the late 2000s. It also led the tablet and smartwatch markets with the iPad and Apple Watch. More recently, CEO Tim Cook and the team at Cupertino went after one of the biggest tech success stories of all time, Netflix. They made this happen with Apple TV Plus (labeled officially as “Apple TV+”).

Wrapping your head around Apple TV Plus can be slightly confusing because Apple has another product in the market called the Apple TV (no plus), which is a piece of set-top box hardware. Apple TV Plus, on the other hand, is something entirely different with a distinct approach to building a streaming library.

So what is Apple TV Plus and what does it offer? This master guide has the answers to all your Apple TV Plus questions. Want to give Apple TV Plus a try? Get it via the button below!

What is Apple TV Plus?

Apple TV Plus is Apple’s premium subscription streaming service that attempts to take on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and others. It’s completely ad-free, albeit for promotions for content on add-on streaming services within Apple TV Plus. The platform features a host of original shows and movies made under the Apple Originals program, as well as a library of licensed content.

This bolsters Apple’s existing Apple TV, which is a set-top streaming box that also allows you to access other streaming services. The idea is that you can bring all of your streaming services into one place, rather than having to remember multiple accounts and passwords.

Because we know it’s confusing with several services and products under the Apple TV banner, here’s a breakdown of the three:

• Apple TV (product): A set-top box that allows you to stream video from iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN, Hulu, Netflix, and other streaming services. There are currently two models, one for HD and one for 4K. Both models run the Apple TV app.
• Apple TV app: A free app/service that serves as a hub for content from various streaming services, including Apple TV Plus. It also allows individual subscriptions to certain channels as well as movie rentals or purchases. The app comes pre-loaded on the Apple TV set-top box.
• Apple TV Plus: A Netflix-like subscription service with Apple Originals, plus a catalog of syndicated content.

Is Apple TV Plus worth it?

Whether or not Apple TV Plus is worth it will depend on how much you value fresh and original content. It’s not the platform for people who want to binge-watch The Office for the umpteenth time, with just a limited catalog of non-original content.

Apple TV Plus features some great original content that could be worth the subscription fee for serious TV junkies. They include The Morning Show — a drama starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carell, See — an epic sci-fi drama starring Jason Momoa and Alfre Woodard, M. Night Shyamalan’s horror series Servant, and many others.

Compared to other big hitters in the streaming world, Apple TV Plus won’t offer access to new blockbuster films or fan-favorite classics, but it’s the only service to focus so heavily on big-budget original content. Apple is reportedly spending billions of dollars to attract top-tier talent and has deep pockets to keep the platform running as time goes on.

Read also: The best movies on Apple TV Plus

Apple TV Plus also has a fairly generous family sharing plan, allowing up to six family members to use the same account. Even better, they can use their own logins, so you don’t need to share your password with anybody.

Another thing to consider is that if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, you may be able to get the service for free.

What the experts think

The general consensus from streaming and media experts is that although Apple TV Plus has a solid lineup of original content and fantastic streaming quality, there simply isn’t enough original content (yet). 

In our Apple TV review, we noted that while it isn’t exactly a runaway success, Apple’s streaming service is a solid contender. In addition to a unique three-episode-a-week content strategy to get watchers hooked fast, it also features the best streaming bitrate in the business. Plus, at just five bucks a month and a generous free subscription offer, Apple isn’t asking much for access to its content.

That said, in our comparisons with other top streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus (more on this later), the difference in the amount of content is staggering. Although both services cost more than Apple TV Plus, their catalogs are significantly larger and constantly evolving.

Apple invested a lot of money into Apple Originals and many of them are truly worth watching. Disney Plus has The Mandalorian, Hulu has Handmaid’s Tale, and Netflix has House of Cards and many others. The closest thing to a hit that Apple TV Plus has is The Morning Show, which got mixed reviews at launch but is getting a second season in September 2021.

Apple has since begun adding syndicated content to the service, but it will probably never boast the same expansive catalog of shows and movies as its competitors. No one is saying the service is bad, just that it doesn’t offer the same value proposition as other options. This could easily change in the future with one or two massive hit shows.

What users think

If you could only pick one, which streaming service would you choose?

Apple has always kept user numbers close to the chest, so it’s difficult to tell just how successful Apple TV Plus has been with everyday users. Complicating matters further, most current Apple TV Plus subscribers are still on their free year. This means that subscriber numbers could tank when the first wave of free trials expires.

In May of 2020, we asked our own readers at Android Authority which streaming service they would pick if they could only pick one, and Apple TV Plus captured less than 1% of the vote (results above). Most users commented that the library was simply too small, although it might fare better as a second or third subscription for those who can’t get enough content.

Read also: We asked, you told us: Netflix wins big, Apple TV Plus falls (very) short

There are, of course, other ways to gauge interest in the service. One is Google Trends, which tracks search volume for certain keywords. Apple TV Plus spiked when it was first announced, then again when the service launched. It’s done nothing but stagnate since then, even in the face of a global pandemic where everyone is at home streaming media.

Compared to another service that launched around the same time — Disney Plus — Apple TV plus is barely a blip on the radar. It’s failed to grab public attention, either due to a lack of compelling material on the platform or a lack of a big marketing push from Apple.

Our best indication of user numbers comes from analysts at Statista that claim that the service could have reached 40 million subscribers by the end of 2020. However, this figure doesn’t necessarily constitute paying subscribers because of Apple’s free one-year subscription offer with Apple products. The number also falls far short of rival Disney Plus, which went online around the same time. Disney says that it has recorded over 100 million subscribers for its service 16 months after its launch.

The good thing is that unlike its availability at launch, Apple TV Plus is now supported on Android devices (through Chrome and Firefox browsers), smart TVs, gaming consoles, and popular streaming devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick.

Where is Apple TV Plus available?

Apple TV Plus is available in 107 countries around the world. It is not available in every country that supports the Apple TV app, and doesn’t include certain high-population countries like South Korea, Romania, Turkey, and others.

However, Apple has promised that each and every Apple Original will be subbed or dubbed (or both) in nearly 40 languages. There will also be closed captions on all titles for the hearing impaired.

Here’s a full list of all 107 countries where Apple TV Plus is supported:

How much does Apple TV Plus cost?

Apple TV Plus costs $4.99 a month in the US, with a seven-day free trial. There is also the option of an annual subscription for $49.99. This fee unlocks all Apple Originals, but you will need to pay for other Apple TV Channel subscriptions separately.

Read more: How much is Apple TV Plus? Here’s the info on its cost

It’s worth noting that there is only one price for the service, and Apple TV streaming includes up to six family members, 4K quality, and media downloads. There are no more expensive plans with extra features — it’s all included in the basic plan.

If you already subscribe to a few other Apple products like Apple Music, it might be worth opting for an Apple One subscription. This includes Apple TV Plus, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and 50GB of iCloud storage for just $14.95 a month. There’s also a family plan for $19.95 for up to six family members. The most expensive plan costs $29.95, boosting iCloud storage to 2TB and including Apple News Plus and the new Apple Fitness Plus.

Around the world, other countries have similar costs, but you can find the list of international Apple TV Plus prices below:

• USA: $4.99/month, $49.99/year
• Canada: $5.99/month
• UK: £4.99/month
• Europe: €4.99/month
• India: Rs. 99/month
• Australia: A$7.99/month

How to get Apple TV Plus for free?

In order to help boost its newcomer streaming service, Apple initially offered a free year of Apple TV Plus to anyone who recently purchased an Apple device. This includes iPhones, iPads, Macs, iPods, and Apple TV set-top boxes.

However, the offer does not stand for new purchases now. Apple stopped offering a free year of Apple TV Plus as of July 1, 2021. From now on, you’ll get just three months of no-cost access before you have to consider a paid subscription. New Roku devices also include three free months of Apple TV Plus. Other new users can still get seven days of Apple TV Plus for free. Learn more about how to get Apple TV Plus for free at the link below.

Read more: How to get Apple TV Plus for free

How do I get Apple TV Plus?

Signing up for Apple TV Plus is easy, and can be done from both the web and the Apple TV app. In fact, it’s usually the first thing you see when you open the Apple TV app. Just tap Try It Free and confirm your purchase to get started. The first seven days are free, but after that, you will automatically be charged $4.99 a month.

On the web, simply navigate to the Apple TV Plus website, then click Start Your Free Trial. You’ll have to log into your Apple account if you aren’t already logged in, but the entire process takes less than a minute.

No matter how you sign up, you will get a pop-up letting you know if you have a free year to claim due to a recent purchase.

Once your free Apple TV Plus subscription is over, you can also opt for an Apple One subscription if you use other Apple services such as Apple Music, iCloud storage, and Apple Arcade. The bundle will save you some money compared to what you pay for all these services individually.

What devices does Apple TV support?

Apple TV Plus is available in the Apple TV app on all Apple devices. It’s not quite as accessible as other streaming platforms, but odds are you have several devices in your house that can access Apple TV.

For Apple devices, any iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch with the latest software update can access Apple TV Plus directly through the app, which should be pre-installed. Apple TV set-top boxes that are third-gen or newer are also compatible.

Read also: The best media streaming devices you can buy

Several other popular streaming devices such as those made by Roku and Amazon are also supported, as are newer smart TVs from some of the most popular brands. On many newer smart TVs, the Apple TV app is already installed, but models from 2018 may need to search for the app and install it manually.

Certain Smart TVs that aren’t compatible with the Apple TV app may still be able to access the service using AirPlay 2. This allows you to share your screen from any Apple device. You can see a list of supported Smart TV model numbers here.

Android devices are notably excluded from the list since the Apple TV Plus app is not available on the Google Play Store. Still, the platform can be accessed on Android devices via the web portal on just about any web browser, just like on Macs and PCs.

Here’s the full list of Apple TV compatible devices:

• Apple TV (4K, HD, and 3rd generation)
• Roku (most models)
• Amazon Fire TV (most models)
• Samsung Smart TVs (2018 or newer)
• Sony Smart TVs
• Vizio Smart TVs
• LG Smart TVs (2019 or newer)
• Mac (macOS Catalina 10.15 or higher)
• PC (browser only)
• Android (browser only)
• PlayStation 4
• PlayStation 5
• Xbox One
• Xbox Series X
• Xbox Series S

What’s on Apple’s streaming service?

Apple TV Plus is all about original content under the Apple Originals program. These include shows, movies, and documentaries starring some of the biggest names in Hollywood. The company’s deep pockets and relationships with other industries give Apple’s streaming service an advantage over some competitors.

There are many great shows and movies on Apple TV Plus, and in many cases, you can watch the first episode or two of an Apple Original series for free. This is a great way to see if you are interested in watching more before starting your seven-day free trial.

To help bolster the roster of content, Apple began syndicating older content in May of 2020. As of writing, the only licensed content is the older Fraggle Rock series from the 1980s. This addition makes sense since Apple TV Plus also has the rights to publish brand new Fraggle Rock episodes as part of the Apple Originals program.

We won’t list every show and movie in this article, but here’s a brief list of some of our favorites so you know what to expect.

Best Apple TV Plus shows

Apple invested heavily in original shows for the platform, and although none of them have managed to completely capture the hearts and minds of the general public, there are some excellent shows on offer.

We have a full list of the best Apple TV Plus shows with trailers and full descriptions, but here’s a quick list of some of our favorites.

• The Morning Show – A drama centering on the behind-the-scenes antics at a national morning news TV show. It stars Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carell.
• See – An epic sci-fi drama set on Earth centuries after a worldwide cataclysm has rendered (nearly) all humans blind. It stars Jason Momoa and Alfre Woodard.
• For All Mankind – A sci-fi series set on an alternate timeline where the Soviet Union landed a man on the moon before the US.
• Dickinson – A comedy centering on a fictional version of the poet Emily Dickinson, as played by Hailee Steinfeld.
• Helpsters – A children’s series that teaches kids about coding. It comes from the Sesame Street producers at Sesame Workshop.
• Ghostwriter – A new version of the children’s series, which focuses on four kids who have to battle creatures based on literature.
• Oprah’s Book Club – This show brings back the highly popular virtual book club created by Oprah Winfrey. New episodes will appear on Apple TV Plus every other month.
• Servant – A thriller series executive produced by M. Night Shyamalan, who also directed two of its episodes.
• Truth Be Told – A true-crime series starring Octavia Spencer and Aaron Paul. It follows a true-crime podcaster that gets a little too close to her subjects.
• Little America – An anthology series about the stories of immigrants in the United States.
• Mythic Quest – Two of the three creators of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Rob McElhenney and Charlie Day, team up once again for this comedy series about a video game development studio.
• Amazing Stories – A revival of the classic sci-fi anthology TV series, which is once again produced by Steven Spielberg.
• Home Before Dark – A mystery-drama inspired by the real-life of Hilde Lysiak, who at 11 years old investigated a cold case murder for her own neighborhood newspaper.
• Defending Jacob – Chris Evans stars in this show as a lawyer who has a son that’s arrested for murder.
• Central Park – A new animated series with a voice cast that includes Josh Gad and Kristen Bell.
• Tehran – A riveting espionage thriller that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.

Best Apple TV Plus movies

Apple TV Plus doesn’t have as many movies as its competitors, but it does have a respectable selection of original films to stream right away. Check out our list of the best Apple TV Plus movies for trailers and more, but here’s a brief list of what you can expect on the platform:

• The Banker – A drama inspired by true events about two black businessmen in the 1950s who find creative ways to combat racism in pursuit of the American dream. It stars Samuel L. Jackson and Anthony Mackie.
• Beastie Boys Story – A Spike Jonze documentary about the eponymous hip hop group’s rise to fame.
• Hala – A coming-of-age drama about a Pakistani-American teenager who struggles to balance her cultural and religious heritage with her American friends and desire to fit in.
• Greyhound – A WW2 drama starring and written by Tom Hanks about a navy captain who leads a fleet of ships across the U-Boat-infested waters of the Atlantic.

Apple TV Channels and other content

Although they’re not technically part of the Apple TV Plus program, Apple TV Channels are a great way to get more out of your experience with the Apple TV app while waiting for more original content. It turns the service into something more like traditional cable TV, but without all the bloat.

The Apple TV Channels program is essentially an a la carte selection of TV channels and streaming services that you can subscribe to within the Apple TV app. This allows you to consolidate most (if not all) of your streaming services into one place, with Apple getting a cut of every Apple TV subscription.

It’s easy and convenient to subscribe with your Apple account from within the app, but your existing subscriptions outside of the app cannot be transferred over. You will need to cancel them and resubscribe through Apple TV.

However, there are a few other potential benefits to subscribing via Apple TV Channels, such as higher bitrate streams and media downloads. It also makes it easier to manage your Apple TV subscriptions from one place. Many subscriptions can also be shared with up to six family members, just like Apple TV Plus.

Here’s a full list of confirmed Apple TV Channels:

• Acorn TV
• A&E Crime Central
• Apple TV Plus
• Arrow Video Channel
• Bet Plus
• Britbox
• CBS All Access
• Cinemax
• CollegeHumor Dropout
• Comedy Central Now
• CuriosityStream
• Epix
• Eros Now Select
• HBO (limited)
• History Vault
• IFC Films Unlimited

• Lifetime Movie Club
• Moonbug Kids
• MTV Hits
• Mubi
• NickHits
• Noggin
• PBS Living
• Showtime
• Shudder
• Smithsonian Channel Plus
• Starz
• Sundance Now
• Tastemade
• Up Faith & Family
• Urban Movie Channel

Apple TV subscription fees will vary by channel but typically hover around $5 or more. Apple TV Channel availability may vary by region, and HBO Now is no longer accepting new subscribers after the launch of HBO Max earlier this year.

In addition to Apple TV Channels, the Apple TV app also integrates a few other major streaming services. They will be listed alongside other channels in the app, but launching them will open a third-party app to stream the media itself. Before you ask, no, Netflix is not included.

Here’s a list of external streaming services supported within Apple TV:

• Hulu
• Amazon Prime Video
• ESPN Plus
• Disney Plus

Finally, the new Apple TV app will support a number of cable and satellite mobile apps, along with internet-based TV cable services. These include:

• Charter Spectrum
• DirecTV
• Fubo

• Hulu TV
• Optimum by Altice
• Playstation Vue

Apple TV Plus vs the competition

Apple TV Plus enters into an increasingly crowded online streaming landscape. This includes the leader in the industry, Netflix, which has the advantage of having years of experience and an impressive catalog of both original and licensed content on offer. 

While the service can’t compare to Netflix on the sheer volume of content, it is significantly cheaper. The $4.99 subscription includes 4K and up to six simultaneous streams, while you’ll have to pay a full $18 a month for 4K content and four simultaneous streams on Netflix. 

Read the full comparison: Netflix vs Apple TV Plus

Amazon Prime Video is also a major Apple TV Plus competitor. It has worldwide reach as well, along with lots of great original shows that have won several Emmy awards. It’s also typically bundled with Amazon Prime, which is an incredibly popular service for online shoppers. It even offers 4K streaming for supported content, making it a solid alternative to Apple TV Plus.

For American users, Hulu can also be a solid alternative to fill your streaming needs. The base plan is slightly more expensive at $5.99 a month, but it includes ads. You’ll have to bump that all the way up to $11.99 to get ad-free streams. One of the biggest advantages of Hulu is that it’s frequently bundled with other services, like the very attractive Disney Plus-Hulu-ESPN Plus bundle at $12.99 a month.

Finally, there’s Disney Plus, which launched less than two weeks after Apple TV Plus. Disney Plus is not available in nearly as many countries as Apple TV Plus, Netflix, or Amazon Prime Video, but it has a huge collection of popular content. Most of the Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars movies, as well as Disney classics, have helped the service to sign up over 50 million users in its first six months after launching.

Read the full comparison: Disney Plus vs Apple TV Plus

Other FAQ

Q: How many people can stream on Apple TV Plus at the same time?
A: Up to six people can stream simultaneously.

Q: Are Apple TV Plus shows/movies in 4K?
A: Yes, all Apple TV Plus shows and movies are available to stream or download in 4K.

Q: Does Apple TV Plus have ads?
A: No, the service does not have any ads.

Q: Does Apple TV Plus have parental controls?
A: Yes, there are parental control options for the Apple TV app, web portal, and set-top box.

Q: Can you share an Apple TV Plus account with friends and family?
A: Apple TV Plus subscriptions can be shared with up to five other accounts (six total), although officially the program is limited to just family members.

Q: Can you get Apple TV Plus on a Roku device?
A: Yes. The app is available on most Roku devices. Find the full list of supported Roku devices here.

Q: Can you watch Apple TV Plus on an Amazon Fire TV Stick?
A: Yes. The app is available on most Amazon Fire TV devices. Find the full list of supported Fire TV devices here.

Q: Can you use a Chromecast with the service?
A: Officially, there is no Chromecast support with Apple TV. However, you can get around this by casting a browser tab with the web app open, with obvious hits to quality and ease of use.

Q: Can you watch Apple TV Plus on consoles like the PlayStation and Xbox?
A: Yes, you can watch Apple TV Plus on the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S.

Q: Will the service add more syndicated content?
A: Apple hasn’t made any announcements about adding more syndicated content, but it seems to be at least a part of its growth strategy for the platform. 

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