How to Get and Use Apple TV+

Apple has officially entered the video-streaming wars with Apple TV+, which debuts today on Apple devices and select Samsung smart TVs.

At $4.99 per month, Apple TV+ is cheaper than rival video-streaming services, but its library is quite limited compared to content powerhouses like Netflix and Amazon. Launch day titles include The Morning Show with Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, and Steve Carell; See with Jason Momoa; and Dickinson with Hailee Steinfeld. You can binge-watch a full season of some shows, while others are debuting with three episodes and will add more over time.

To watch, you'll need the Apple TV app, as well as a device running iOS 12.3 or later, tvOS 12.3 or later, or macOS Catalina. It's also available on the Apple TV (4K, HD, and third-gen), as well as 2018, 2019, and newer Samsung smart TVs and select Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices.

Apple is offering a free, seven-day trial of Apple TV+. Those who buy a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, or iPod touch will get a year of Apple TV+ for free. Those who subscribe to an Apple Music student plan will also get free access to Apple TV+ for a limited time.

Here's how to get up and running with Apple TV+.

Upgrade iOS and macOS

In this tutorial, we'll sign up for Apple TV+ on an iPhone. But whether you do so from iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, make sure you upgrade your device. The Apple TV app will already be installed; launch it and scroll to Apple TV+; tap Try it free > Try Apple TV+ for Free.

Sign Up for Apple TV+

Tap "Start Watching." (Those with new Apple devices might also see a prompt that tells them about the one-year deal.) You'll be asked to confirm payment, which will kick in after a week for those who have older devices. You might also have to verify payment details.

Browse Apple Originals

Back in the TV app, you can now browse and watch Apple Originals. Scroll left or right to navigate through available episodes.

Download Apple TV+ Shows

If you want to watch on a plane or during a commute with spotty service, Apple TV+ allows for show downloads. Look for the cloud icon and tap it. Downloaded shows can be found via Library > Downloaded.

Cancel Apple TV+

To cancel Apple TV+ before you're charged $4.99, navigate to Settings > [your name] > Subscriptions > Apple TV+ > Cancel Subscription.

About Our Expert

Chloe Albanesius

Executive Editor, News

My Experience

I started out covering tech policy in DC for The National Journal, where my beat included state-level tech news and all the congressional hearings and FCC meetings I could handle. I later covered Wall Street trading tech before switching gears to consumer tech. I now lead PCMag's news coverage.

My Areas of Expertise

Getting my start in DC means I still have a soft spot for tech policy; Congressional hearings can sometimes be as entertaining as a Bravo reality show, for better or worse. But PCMag is all about the technology we use every day, as well as keeping an eye out for the trends that will shape the industry in the years ahead (or flop on arrival). I've covered the rise of social media, the iOS vs. Android wars, the cord-cutting revolution that's now left us with hefty streaming bills, and the effort to stuff artificial intelligence into every product you could imagine. This job has taken me to CES in Vegas (one too many times), IFA in Berlin, and MWC in Barcelona. I also drove a Tesla 1,000 miles out west as part of our Best Mobile Networks project. Of late, my focus is on our hard-working team of reporters at PCMag, guiding and editing their robust coverage.

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