Apple TV+ Review: $12.99/mo for Originals Only (Worth It?)

Apple TV+ launched in 2019 with a radical strategy: no back catalog, no licensed content, just original programming. While competitors like Netflix boast thousands of titles, Apple bet everything on quality over quantity. Five years later, that gamble has paid off spectacularly.

With Emmy-winning shows like Severance, Ted Lasso, and The Studio dominating awards season, Apple TV+ has proven it can compete with the best of HBO and Netflix. But at $12.99 per month for a library of roughly 100 originals, is the math-per-show worth it for your household?

We have been subscribers since launch, tracking every release and comparing the experience against every major streaming competitor. Here is our honest assessment of whether Apple TV+ deserves a spot in your streaming rotation.

Quick Verdict

Apple TV+ is the streaming service for viewers who would rather watch five excellent shows than scroll through five thousand mediocre ones. Its all-original library is remarkably consistent in quality, with production values that rival theatrical releases and storytelling that regularly wins television’s highest honors.

The $12.99 monthly price feels steep when you calculate cost-per-title compared to Netflix’s massive library. But if you actually watch what you pay for rather than endlessly browsing, Apple TV+ delivers more satisfying viewing hours per dollar than services padded with forgettable content.

Bottom line: Apple TV+ is not trying to be your only streaming service, and it should not be. But as a complement to a larger service like Netflix or Max, it offers some of the best television being made today. The three-month free trial with Apple device purchases makes it risk-free to discover whether its curated approach fits your viewing habits.

Apple TV+ Pricing (2026)

Apple TV+ raised its price in August 2025, marking the third price increase since launch. Here is the current pricing structure:

Plan	Monthly Price	Annual Price	Savings
Standard	$12.99	$99.99	$56/year (36% off)
Apple One Individual	$19.95	N/A	Includes Music, Arcade, iCloud+
Apple One Family	$25.95	N/A	Up to 6 family members
Apple One Premier	$37.95	N/A	Everything + Fitness+ and News+
Student (via Apple Music)	Free	N/A	Included with $5.99 Apple Music Student

Standalone Subscription: $12.99/Month

The standard Apple TV+ subscription costs $12.99 per month or $99.99 per year. The annual plan saves you roughly $56 compared to paying monthly, representing a 36% discount that makes it one of the better annual deals among streaming services.

Unlike Netflix or Max, Apple TV+ offers only one tier. There is no ad-supported option and no premium tier, because every subscriber gets the premium experience: 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, six simultaneous streams, and unlimited downloads. This simplicity is refreshing in an industry where competitors nickel-and-dime you for better resolution.

Apple One Bundles: Better Value for Apple Users

If you already use other Apple services, the Apple One bundles offer genuine savings:

Apple One Individual ($19.95/month) includes Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and 50GB of iCloud+ storage. If you would subscribe to Apple Music ($10.99) and Apple TV+ ($12.99) separately, you are paying $23.98, so the bundle saves nearly $4 monthly.

Apple One Family ($25.95/month) extends all services to up to six family members and increases iCloud storage to 200GB. For households with multiple Apple users, this is exceptional value.

Apple One Premier ($37.95/month) adds Apple Fitness+ and Apple News+ to the family plan, with 2TB of iCloud storage. This tier makes sense only if you actively use the fitness and news services.

Student Discount: Free Apple TV+

College students get the best deal of all. The Apple Music Student plan costs $5.99 per month and includes Apple TV+ at no additional charge. You must verify student status annually through UNiDAYS, but as long as you remain enrolled, you get both services for half the price of Apple TV+ alone.

Content Library: The Quality-Over-Quantity Strategy

Apple TV+ launched with just nine original shows in November 2019. Five years later, the library has grown to over 100 original series and films. That number pales next to Netflix’s thousands of titles, but Apple’s approach is fundamentally different: every show receives a substantial budget and creative freedom, resulting in remarkably few duds.

The Signature Shows

Apple TV+ has produced several shows that rank among the best television of the decade:

Severance (2022-present): This psychological thriller about workers who surgically separate their work and personal memories became Apple’s most-watched series ever when season two premiered in early 2025. The show won eight Emmy Awards in 2025, including lead actress for Britt Lower and supporting actor for Tramell Tillman. Adam Scott’s performance as Mark Scout earned a Golden Globe nomination. With its Kafka-meets-The Office premise and masterful slow-burn tension, Severance represents Apple TV+ at its best.

Ted Lasso (2020-2023): The feel-good comedy about an American football coach leading an English soccer team won 11 Emmy Awards across three seasons and became a cultural phenomenon. Jason Sudeikis’s performance as the relentlessly optimistic Ted defined the show’s warmth. A fourth season has been announced for 2026, surprising fans who thought the series had concluded.

The Morning Show (2019-present): Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon headline this drama about a network morning news program navigating scandals, politics, and industry upheaval. Now in its fourth season, the show has accumulated 20 awards and 122 nominations. Billy Crudup earned his third Golden Globe nomination for the current season.

The Studio (2025): Seth Rogen’s comedy about a newly appointed studio head earned a record-breaking 23 Emmy nominations for a freshman comedy and won 13 Emmys, including Outstanding Comedy Series. The show’s satirical take on Hollywood, featuring a parade of celebrity cameos, became an instant classic.

Sci-Fi Excellence

Apple TV+ has quietly become the best destination for prestige science fiction:

Silo (2023-present): Based on Hugh Howey’s novels, this dystopian thriller about the last humans living in an underground bunker stars Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Robbins, and Common. With a 90% Rotten Tomatoes score and two more seasons confirmed, Silo has become one of streaming’s most immersive sci-fi experiences.

Foundation (2021-present): David S. Goyer’s adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s legendary novels returned for a third season in July 2025. Set 152 years after season two, the new installment introduces “The Mule,” a warlord using mind control to conquer the galaxy. Apple renewed the series for a fourth season in September 2025.

For All Mankind (2019-present): This alternate-history drama imagines a world where the space race never ended. Each season jumps forward in time, now exploring space colonization in the 2000s. The show has become a cult favorite among sci-fi enthusiasts.

Critically Acclaimed Thrillers

Slow Horses (2022-present): Gary Oldman stars as Jackson Lamb, the slovenly leader of MI5’s department for disgraced spies. Now in its fifth season, the show has already been renewed for seasons six and seven, an unprecedented production pace that delivers two seasons per year. Oldman earned his third Golden Globe nomination for the role.

Presumed Innocent (2024-present): Jake Gyllenhaal stars in this legal thriller based on Scott Turow’s novel. The show’s first season earned strong reviews and has been renewed.

Disclaimer (2024): Alfonso Cuaron’s seven-episode psychological thriller starring Cate Blanchett demonstrated Apple’s ability to attract A-list talent for limited series.

Children’s and Family Content

Apple TV+ offers quality children’s programming, though it cannot match Disney+ for sheer volume or brand recognition. Notable family content includes:

• Ghostwriter (reimagining of the PBS classic)
• Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock (continuation of the Muppet universe)
• Pretzel and the Puppies (animated series for preschoolers)
• Snoopy in Space and other Peanuts specials

The programming is age-appropriate and thoughtfully produced, but families with young children will likely still need Disney+ as their primary service.

Live Sports

Apple TV+ has expanded into live sports, differentiating itself from purely on-demand competitors:

MLS Season Pass: All Major League Soccer matches are exclusive to Apple TV+, making it essential for American soccer fans. This includes every regular season game, playoff match, and Leagues Cup fixture.

Friday Night Baseball: During the MLB season (spring through fall), Apple TV+ streams exclusive Friday night baseball games at no additional charge to subscribers.

These sports additions transform Apple TV+ from a pure original-content play into a more well-rounded entertainment service.

Streaming Quality and Features

Video and Audio Quality

Apple TV+ streams everything at the highest quality available to all subscribers:

Feature	Apple TV+	Netflix Premium	Max Ad-Free
4K Resolution	Included	$24.99 tier only	Included
HDR10/Dolby Vision	Included	$24.99 tier only	Included
Dolby Atmos	Included	$24.99 tier only	Included
Simultaneous Streams	6	4 (Premium only)	4
Downloads	Unlimited	Limited	Limited
Ads	None	None (ad-free tiers)	None (ad-free tier)

The technical quality of Apple TV+ originals is consistently excellent. Productions like Foundation and Silo feature cinematic visual effects that rival theatrical releases. Audio mixing takes full advantage of Dolby Atmos, making Apple TV+ content some of the best-sounding on any streaming platform.

Six Simultaneous Streams

Apple TV+ allows six people to watch different content simultaneously on different devices, double what most streaming services offer. This makes it exceptionally family-friendly, especially for large households or families sharing an account across multiple locations.

Unlimited Downloads

Unlike Netflix and Max, which cap downloads at 15-100 depending on your plan, Apple TV+ allows unlimited downloads on any device signed into your Apple ID. Downloads never expire as long as you remain subscribed, making it ideal for frequent travelers or anyone with unreliable internet.

Device Compatibility

Apple TV+ is available on far more devices than you might expect from an Apple service:

Apple Devices:

• iPhone, iPad, Mac
• Apple TV (all models)
• Vision Pro

Smart TVs:

• Samsung (2018 and later)
• LG (2019 and later)
• Sony (select models)
• Vizio (select models)

Streaming Devices:

• Roku (all models)
• Amazon Fire TV (all models)
• Chromecast with Google TV

Gaming Consoles:

• PlayStation 4 and 5
• Xbox One and Series X/S

Other:

• Web browsers (tv.apple.com)
• Android devices via web browser

The cross-platform availability eliminates the concern that Apple TV+ is only for Apple households. You can subscribe and watch on virtually any modern device.

Apple TV+ vs. the Competition

Apple TV+ vs. Netflix

Netflix offers overwhelming volume: thousands of titles, weekly new releases, and something for everyone. Apple TV+ offers curated quality: roughly 100 titles where nearly every one is worth watching.

Factor	Apple TV+	Netflix
Monthly Price	$12.99	$7.99 - $24.99
Library Size	100+ originals	5,000+ titles
4K HDR Included	Yes	Premium only ($24.99)
Ads	Never	Ad tier only
Simultaneous Streams	6	2-4 depending on tier
Free Trial	7 days (3 months with device)	None

Choose Apple TV+ if: You would rather watch a few great shows than scroll through endless mediocrity.

Choose Netflix if: You want variety, volume, and something for every mood.

Apple TV+ vs. Max (HBO)

Max and Apple TV+ both prioritize prestige content, making them the most similar competitors. Max has HBO’s legendary back catalog (The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, Succession), while Apple TV+ has no legacy content at all.

Choose Apple TV+ if: You want the newest prestige shows without ads at a lower price.

Choose Max if: You want access to HBO classics alongside new releases.

Apple TV+ vs. Disney+

These services target completely different audiences. Disney+ is essential for families with children and Marvel/Star Wars fans. Apple TV+ focuses on adult-oriented prestige content with limited children’s programming.

Choose Apple TV+ if: You are an adult seeking sophisticated storytelling.

Choose Disney+ if: You have children or love Disney/Marvel/Star Wars content.

Who Should Subscribe to Apple TV+?

Apple TV+ is ideal if you:

• Prioritize quality over quantity in your viewing
• Enjoy prestige drama, science fiction, and thoughtful comedies
• Already own Apple devices (free 3-month trial)
• Want 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos without paying extra
• Need six simultaneous streams for a large household
• Value ad-free viewing without tier confusion
• Follow MLS soccer or enjoy Friday Night Baseball
• Can be patient with weekly episode releases

Consider alternatives if you:

• Want a massive content library to browse
• Need extensive children’s programming (get Disney+)
• Prefer binge-watching full seasons at once
• Want licensed movies and classic TV shows
• Are on a strict budget and need the cheapest option

Methodology: How We Evaluated Apple TV+

We have maintained an active Apple TV+ subscription since November 2019, tracking every major release and comparing the service against competitors:

• Content Tracking: We monitored all original releases, noting Rotten Tomatoes scores, Emmy nominations, and cultural impact over five years.
• Technical Testing: We tested streaming quality across multiple devices (Apple TV 4K, Roku Ultra, iPhone 15 Pro, Samsung Smart TV) on a gigabit fiber connection.
• Value Calculation: We compared cost-per-quality-hour against Netflix, Max, and Disney+ using a formula that weights content by critical reception.
• Feature Comparison: We verified download limits, simultaneous streams, and device compatibility against competitor claims.
• Award Tracking: We followed Emmy, Golden Globe, and Critics Choice nominations and wins to assess critical reception.

All evaluations are based on our hands-on experience, not manufacturer claims or press materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Apple TV+ worth $12.99 per month?

For viewers who will actually watch the content, yes. Apple TV+ costs less than Netflix’s ad-free tier ($17.99) or Max’s ad-free tier ($16.99) while including 4K HDR and six simultaneous streams. The value depends on whether you are the type of viewer who watches what you pay for rather than endlessly browsing. If you will watch Severance, Slow Horses, and The Studio, you will get more quality viewing per dollar than on any competitor.

How does the free trial work?

New subscribers get a seven-day free trial. More significantly, purchasing any new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV qualifies you for a three-month free trial. The offer must be activated within 90 days of setting up your device. This is enough time to binge the entire library and decide whether to continue.

Can I share my Apple TV+ account?

Yes, through Apple’s Family Sharing feature. Up to six family members can access the subscription with their own Apple IDs. Each person gets their own profile with personalized recommendations. Apple does not restrict household locations as aggressively as Netflix, making sharing more flexible.

Does Apple TV+ have ads?

No. Apple TV+ has never had an ad-supported tier and has not announced plans for one. Every subscriber gets the same ad-free experience. This is increasingly rare among streaming services, where most now offer cheaper ad-supported options.

What devices support Apple TV+?

Despite the Apple branding, the service works on most modern devices: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung and LG smart TVs, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One and Series X/S, and all web browsers. You do not need Apple hardware to subscribe or watch.

Is Ted Lasso really coming back?

Yes. After initially being announced as a three-season show, Apple confirmed a fourth season of Ted Lasso for 2026. Jason Sudeikis and much of the original cast are expected to return.

How does Apple TV+ compare to Netflix for originals?

Apple produces fewer than 50 original titles per year; Netflix produces over 300. However, Apple’s average quality is significantly higher. If you measure by Emmy wins per dollar spent, Apple TV+ delivers more award-winning content per subscription dollar than any competitor.

Does Apple TV+ have live sports?

Yes. Apple TV+ exclusively streams all MLS soccer matches and Friday Night Baseball during the MLB season. These are included with your subscription at no extra charge.

Final Verdict

Apple TV+ represents a fundamentally different approach to streaming: fewer shows, made better. In an era of endless scrolling and decision fatigue, there is something refreshing about a service where nearly everything is worth watching.

The 2025 Emmy season proved Apple’s strategy works. The Studio broke records for a freshman comedy. Severance dominated the drama categories. Slow Horses continued its remarkable run. These are not niche critical darlings but broadly appealing shows that happen to also be exceptionally well-made.

At $12.99 per month with 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, six simultaneous streams, and no ads, the technical value proposition exceeds Netflix and matches Max. The question is whether 100+ high-quality originals justify the price compared to thousands of titles elsewhere.

For most households, Apple TV+ works best as a complement to a larger service. Pair it with Netflix for volume or Max for prestige depth. The generous free trial with Apple device purchases makes it risk-free to discover whether the curated approach resonates with your viewing habits.

If you are tired of scrolling past mediocre content to find something worth watching, Apple TV+ offers a different experience: a library where quality control actually exists. That focus comes at the cost of variety and volume, but for viewers who value their time, it is a worthwhile trade.

Our Rating: 4.3/5