Apple One includes Apple TV+, but not the hardware device
Apple One is a bundle that combines several Apple services into one subscription. It does include Apple TV+, which is the streaming service with original shows and movies. It does not include the Apple TV device itself — that's the hardware box you connect to your television.
When you subscribe to Apple One, you get access to Apple TV+ through any device that supports it: your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV hardware (if you own one), or a smart TV. The bundle is designed to save you money compared to paying for each service separately.
Key Takeaways
- Apple One bundles Apple TV+ with iCloud storage, Apple Music, and Apple Arcade, but does not include the Apple TV hardware device.
- You can watch Apple TV+ on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs without owning an Apple TV box.
- Three tiers of Apple One exist: Individual, Family, and Premier, each with different storage and service combinations.
- If you already pay for any of these services separately, switching to Apple One may reduce your total monthly cost.
What services come with each Apple One tier
Apple One comes in three versions. The Individual plan includes Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and 50 GB of iCloud storage. The Family plan adds more iCloud storage (200 GB) and lets up to six people use the services. The Premier plan (available in some countries) includes all of the above plus Apple News+ and Apple Fitness+, with 2 TB of iCloud storage.
Each tier stacks services that would otherwise cost you money separately. For example, Apple Music alone costs about $11 per month, Apple TV+ costs about $7 per month, and Apple Arcade costs about $7 per month. The Individual plan bundles these three plus iCloud storage for less than you would pay for them separately.
How to watch Apple TV+ without the hardware device
You do not need to own an Apple TV box to watch Apple TV+ content. You can stream it on your iPhone or iPad using the Apple TV app. On a Mac or MacBook, the Apple TV app is built in. On Android phones and tablets, you can read the Apple TV app from the Google Play Store.
If you have a smart TV from Samsung, LG, Sony, or other manufacturers, the Apple TV app is often pre-installed or available for read. You can also use a Roku device, Amazon Fire Stick, or Chromecast to access Apple TV+. The service works on most modern streaming devices, so you have many ways to watch without buying Apple hardware.
The difference between Apple TV+ and the Apple TV device
This confusion comes up often because Apple uses the name "Apple TV" for two different things. Apple TV+ is the subscription service — it's software you pay for monthly to watch shows and movies. The Apple TV device is a small box you plug into your television to stream content. Think of it like Netflix (the service) versus a Roku (the device).
The device can play Apple TV+ content, but so can dozens of other devices. If you already have a smart TV, streaming stick, or gaming console, you likely do not need the Apple TV box. The box is useful if you want tight integration with other Apple devices, use Siri voice commands, or want the highest picture quality, but it is not required to watch Apple TV+.
When Apple One makes sense for your budget
If you already subscribe to Apple Music, Apple Arcade, or iCloud storage, switching to Apple One usually saves money. For example, if you pay for Apple Music ($11/month) and iCloud+ 50 GB ($1/month) separately, the Individual Apple One plan ($17/month) costs less than paying for both. The savings grow if you use more services.
If you only want Apple TV+ and nothing else, Apple One may not be the best choice. You can subscribe to Apple TV+ on its own for less money per month. But if you use any combination of Apple's other services, the bundle often works out cheaper. You can also share the Family plan with up to five other people, which spreads the cost further.
How to start using Apple One
You can sign up for Apple One on any Apple device. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap your name, select Subscriptions, and look for Apple One. On a Mac, open System Settings, click your name, then Subscriptions. You can also sign up through the Apple TV app or on Apple's website.
When you sign up, Apple will show you which services you already pay for and how much you would save by switching to a bundle. If you have an active subscription to one of the included services, Apple usually credits the remaining time toward your Apple One subscription. You can change your tier or cancel at any time without penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Apple TV device to use Apple One?
No. Apple One is a service subscription that works on phones, tablets, computers, and most smart TVs. The Apple TV device is optional hardware that some people buy for better integration with other Apple products, but it is not required to watch Apple TV+ or use any other Apple One service.
Can I share Apple One with family members?
Yes, the Family plan lets up to six people use all the services. Each person gets their own account and can access Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and the shared iCloud storage from their own devices. The Premier plan works the same way with additional services included.
What happens to my existing subscriptions if I switch to Apple One?
Apple will cancel your individual subscriptions to the services included in your Apple One plan and credit any unused time. You will not lose access to your content — your Apple Music library, Apple Arcade games, and iCloud data all stay with you under the new bundle.
Can I watch Apple TV+ on a non-Apple device?
Yes. The Apple TV app is available on Android phones, Roku devices, Amazon Fire Sticks, Samsung and LG smart TVs, and many others. You can also watch through a web browser on any computer. Apple One works the same way across all these devices.
Is Apple One cheaper than paying for services separately?
Usually, yes — but only if you use more than one service. If you only want Apple TV+, buying it separately is cheaper. If you use Apple Music, iCloud storage, or Apple Arcade in addition to Apple TV+, the bundle typically costs less than paying for each one individually.