Apple TV+ requires a paid subscription, but the app itself is free to read

You do not pay to read the Apple TV app on your iPhone — it is free from the App Store. However, to watch shows and movies through Apple TV+ (Apple's streaming service), you need a paid subscription. The subscription costs $9.99 per month for the standard plan, though Apple occasionally offers free trial periods when you first sign up.

If you own an Apple device like a Mac, iPad, or Apple TV box, you may already have access to Apple TV+ through a bundle. Apple includes TV+ free for three months with the purchase of a new device, and some carriers like Verizon offer it bundled with their plans. Check your Apple ID settings to see if a subscription is already active on your account.

The Apple TV app itself shows you content from multiple sources — your own purchases, rentals, and subscriptions you already have. You can rent or buy individual movies and TV shows directly through the app without a subscription, but those purchases are separate from Apple TV+.

Key Takeaways

  • The Apple TV app downloads free, but watching Apple TV+ shows requires a $9.99 monthly subscription.
  • New Apple device purchases often include three months of Apple TV+ free, so check your account before paying.
  • You can rent or buy individual movies and shows in the app without a subscription, but these are one-time purchases separate from Apple TV+.
  • Family members can share one Apple TV+ subscription through Family Sharing if they use the same Apple ID group.
  • Some carriers and internet providers bundle Apple TV+ into their plans at no extra cost.

How to check if you already have Apple TV+ on your iPhone

Open the Apple TV app and tap the account icon in the bottom right corner. Select "Account" and then "Subscriptions." If Apple TV+ appears in the list with an active status, you already have a subscription — either through a free trial, a device purchase, a carrier bundle, or a Family Sharing plan.

If you see "Try It Free" or "Subscribe Now," you do not have an active subscription. Tap either button to start a subscription or begin a free trial if one is available. Apple will ask you to confirm your payment method before the subscription begins.

What you can watch without paying extra

The Apple TV app shows content you own outright — movies and shows you have purchased or redeemed through iTunes or Apple Books. You can watch these at any time without a subscription. The app also displays rentals you have made, which you can watch during the rental period (usually 24 to 48 hours depending on the title).

If you subscribe to other streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu, you can access those apps through the Apple TV app's "Watch Now" tab without paying Apple anything extra. The app acts as a hub that pulls together content from services you already subscribe to elsewhere.

Family Sharing and splitting the cost

One Apple TV+ subscription can be shared with up to six family members through Family Sharing. The person who pays for the subscription sets up a Family Sharing group in Settings, then invites family members by their email addresses. Everyone in the group can watch Apple TV+ on their own devices using their own Apple ID.

To set up Family Sharing, open Settings on your iPhone, tap your name, select "Family Sharing," and tap "get your free guide." You will need to add a payment method and confirm your family members' Apple IDs. Once set up, any subscription you pay for — including Apple TV+ — is available to all members of the group.

Carrier and bundle discounts

Several carriers offer Apple TV+ as part of their plans. Verizon includes it free with certain unlimited data plans. T-Mobile offers it free to some customers. AT&T has offered it as part of premium packages, though offerings change. Contact your carrier to ask whether Apple TV+ is included in your current plan.

Apple also bundles TV+ with other services through Apple One, which combines Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and iCloud+ storage into a single monthly payment. The bundle starts at $16.95 per month and saves money if you use multiple Apple services. You can see Apple One options in the App Store under your account settings.

Renting and buying movies without a subscription

You can rent or purchase individual movies and TV shows through the Apple TV app without having an Apple TV+ subscription. Open the app, search for a title, and tap the price to rent or buy. Rentals typically cost $3.99 to $5.99 and let you watch for 24 to 48 hours. Purchases cost $9.99 to $19.99 depending on the title and quality, and you own them permanently.

When you rent or buy, the charge goes to the payment method linked to your Apple ID. If you use Family Sharing, the person who set up the family group is billed, but all family members can watch the rental or purchase on their own devices.

Canceling your subscription

If you decide you no longer want Apple TV+, you can cancel anytime without a penalty. Open Settings, tap your name, select "Subscriptions," find Apple TV+, and tap "Cancel Subscription." Your access ends at the end of your current billing cycle — you do not lose access when ready after canceling.

If you are on a free trial and cancel before it ends, your access stops right away. You can restart a subscription at any time by going back to the Apple TV app and tapping "Subscribe Now."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Apple TV+ on my iPhone without paying if I have it on another device?

Yes. If you have an active Apple TV+ subscription on any device, you can watch on your iPhone using the same Apple ID. The subscription is tied to your account, not to a specific device. Sign in with your Apple ID in the Apple TV app and you will have access.

What happens if my free trial ends and I forget to cancel?

Apple will charge your payment method the full subscription price ($9.99 per month) when the trial ends. You can cancel anytime before the trial ends to avoid the charge. Check your subscription status in Settings to see when your trial expires.

Do I need Apple TV+ to use the Apple TV app?

No. The app works without a subscription. You can watch content you own, rent or buy individual titles, and access other streaming services you subscribe to. Apple TV+ is just one option within the app.

Can I share my Apple TV+ subscription with someone outside my family?

Family Sharing is designed for household members, but technically anyone you add to your Family Sharing group can access your subscription. Apple's terms ask that Family Sharing be used only with people in your household. Sharing with people outside your home violates Apple's terms of service.

Is there a cheaper way to get Apple TV+ if I only want it for a few months?

Apple occasionally offers free trials, usually three months with a new device purchase. Otherwise, the subscription is $9.99 per month with no discounts for shorter periods. Bundles like Apple One may save money if you use multiple Apple services, but there is no reduced-price short-term option.