Apple Music and Apple TV+ are separate subscriptions

Apple Music and Apple TV+ are two different services with different costs. Apple Music is a music streaming service. Apple TV+ is a video streaming service. You do not get one free with the other — you pay for each one separately, or you can bundle them together at a discount.

The confusion happens because Apple sells both services and because they sometimes bundle them with hardware purchases or other Apple services. But the default is: if you want both, you pay for both.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Music and Apple TV+ are separate subscriptions with separate monthly costs.
  • You can buy them individually or bundle them together through Apple One, which costs less than paying separately.
  • Some Apple hardware purchases include a free trial of Apple TV+, but not Apple Music.
  • An Apple One bundle may include other services like iCloud storage and Apple Arcade, depending on which tier you choose.
  • If you have an Apple Music subscription, it does not automatically give you access to Apple TV+.

What comes free with Apple hardware purchases

When you buy certain Apple devices — an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV box — you sometimes get a free trial of Apple TV+. The length of the trial varies. A new iPhone or iPad typically comes with three months free. A new Mac usually comes with three months free. A new Apple TV device comes with three months free.

Apple Music does not come free with hardware purchases. You have to pay for it from the start, or use a free trial if you are a new subscriber.

The free trial is only available once per Apple ID. If you have already used a free trial on your account, buying another device will not give you another one.

How Apple One bundles work

Apple One is a bundle that combines multiple Apple services at a lower total price than buying them separately. There are three tiers: Individual, Family, and Premier.

The Individual tier includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, and iCloud+ (50 GB storage). The Family tier includes all three of those, plus the ability to share with up to five other family members. The Premier tier adds Apple News+ and Apple Arcade to the Family tier.

If you already pay for Apple Music alone, switching to an Apple One bundle that includes both Apple Music and Apple TV+ will usually cost you less per month than your current Apple Music subscription plus a separate Apple TV+ subscription. You can check the current pricing on Apple's website, since prices vary by region and change over time.

Checking what you currently have

To see whether you have an active Apple Music subscription, Apple TV+ subscription, or Apple One bundle, open the Settings app on any Apple device and tap your name at the top. Then tap Subscriptions. You will see a list of all active subscriptions tied to your Apple ID.

If you see Apple Music listed, you have an Apple Music subscription. If you see Apple TV+ listed, you have an Apple TV+ subscription. If you see Apple One listed, you have a bundle that includes multiple services — tap it to see which ones.

You can also check on a Mac by opening System Settings, clicking your name in the sidebar, then clicking Password and Security, then clicking Subscriptions.

How to add Apple Music to your Apple TV+ subscription

If you already have Apple TV+ and want to add Apple Music, you have two options: buy an Apple Music subscription separately, or switch to an Apple One bundle.

To buy Apple Music alone, open the Settings app, tap your name, tap Subscriptions, tap the plus sign, and search for Apple Music. Follow the prompts to start a subscription.

To switch to an Apple One bundle instead, go to Settings, tap your name, tap Subscriptions, and look for the option to upgrade or switch plans. Apple will show you the cost difference and let you confirm before charging you.

Student and family plan discounts

Apple Music has a student plan that costs less than the regular monthly rate. You have to verify your student status through a third-party verification service. The student plan does not include Apple TV+.

Apple One also has a Family tier that lets you share the subscription with up to five other people. Each person gets their own Apple Music library, their own Apple TV+ watchlist, and their own iCloud storage (though the storage is shared across the family account). The Family tier costs more than the Individual tier but less per person than buying separate subscriptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I cancel Apple Music, do I lose Apple TV+?

Only if you have an Apple One bundle that includes both. If you have them as separate subscriptions, canceling Apple Music does not affect Apple TV+. If you have an Apple One bundle and want to keep Apple TV+, you would need to switch to a different plan or buy Apple TV+ separately.

Can I use the same Apple ID for Apple Music and Apple TV+ on different devices?

Yes. Both services are tied to your Apple ID, so you can sign in with the same account on any device and access both services. You can also share an Apple One Family plan with family members, and each person signs in with their own Apple ID.

Does Apple Music work on Apple TV devices?

Yes. If you have an Apple Music subscription or an Apple One bundle that includes it, you can play music on an Apple TV box through the Music app. You can also use AirPlay to send music from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to your Apple TV.

What happens to my subscription if I switch from Apple Music to Apple One?

When you switch to an Apple One bundle, your Apple Music subscription ends and the bundle begins. You are charged the bundle price instead of the separate subscription price. Your Apple Music library and playlists stay with your Apple ID.

Is there a free trial for Apple One?

Apple sometimes offers free trials for Apple One bundles, but this varies by region and changes over time. If you are a new subscriber to any of the services in the bundle, you may be offered a trial. Check the subscription page in Settings or Apple's website to see what is currently available in your area.