Apple TV+ and Apple Music are separate subscriptions

Apple TV+ and Apple Music are two different services. Apple TV+ is a streaming video service with shows and films. Apple Music is a music streaming service. You do not get one when you buy the other — you need separate subscriptions to both, or you can buy them together as part of an Apple One bundle.

If you own an Apple TV device (the hardware box that connects to your television), that device can run both apps, but owning the hardware does not include either subscription. The device is just the player; the services are what you pay for monthly.

Apple does offer a way to combine services at a lower total price. An Apple One bundle can include Apple TV+, Apple Music, iCloud+ storage, and Apple Arcade (games), depending on which tier you choose. This is cheaper than paying for each service separately, but it is still a paid subscription.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV+ (video streaming) and Apple Music (music streaming) are sold separately and require their own subscriptions.
  • Owning an Apple TV device does not come with either service included — the device is just the hardware that plays them.
  • Apple One bundles let you combine Apple TV+, Apple Music, iCloud+, and Apple Arcade at a lower combined price than buying each one alone.
  • You can start a free trial of Apple TV+ for seven days, but Apple Music does not offer a free trial for most users.

What comes free with an Apple TV device

When you buy an Apple TV box, you get the device itself and access to the Apple TV app. The app is free and lets you browse and rent or buy individual movies and TV shows — but you do not get a subscription to Apple TV+ (the unlimited streaming service) included.

You also get access to other free apps on the device, such as YouTube, news apps, and fitness apps, depending on your region. But music and video subscriptions are not bundled in.

If you already subscribe to Apple TV+ through another device or account, you can sign in with that same account on your Apple TV device and watch your shows there. The subscription itself is what you pay for; the device is just where you watch it.

How Apple One bundles work

An Apple One bundle combines multiple Apple services at a discounted rate. The most common bundle includes Apple TV+, Apple Music, and 50 GB of iCloud+ storage. A higher tier adds Apple Arcade (games) and 200 GB of storage. A premium tier includes even more storage and Apple News+.

The bundle costs less per month than buying each service separately. For example, if you wanted Apple TV+ and Apple Music individually, you would pay more combined than you would for a bundle that includes both. You can see the exact pricing on Apple's website, as prices vary by country and change over time.

To use an Apple One bundle, you sign up through your Apple ID on any Apple device — iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV. Your subscription covers all the services in that tier across all your devices.

Free trials and how to start

Apple TV+ offers a seven-day free trial if you have never subscribed before. You can start the trial on any Apple device or through the Apple TV app on a compatible smart TV or streaming device. After the trial ends, your subscription renews automatically unless you cancel it.

Apple Music does not offer a free trial for most users, though some people who buy a new Apple device may get three months free as part of a promotion. Check your device's setup screen or the Apple Music app to see if you have an offer available.

If you sign up for an Apple One bundle, you get the free trial for Apple TV+ (if you are may be able to access), but the other services in the bundle begin charging when ready. You can cancel the bundle at any time, and your access stops at the end of your current billing cycle.

Comparing Apple Music to other music services

Apple Music is one option for music streaming, but it is not the only one. Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music are other popular services that work on Apple TV devices and other platforms. Each has different pricing, catalog size, and features.

Apple Music integrates closely with Siri voice commands and Apple devices, which can be convenient if you use mostly Apple products. It also includes access to Apple Music Classical, a separate app designed for classical music listeners. But if you use Android devices or prefer another service's interface, you can use that instead on your Apple TV device.

The choice between services often comes down to which one you already use on your phone or which features matter most to you. None of them come free with Apple TV hardware.

What happens if you cancel your subscription

If you cancel Apple TV+ or Apple Music, you lose access to that service when ready. You cannot watch Apple TV+ shows or listen to Apple Music songs once your subscription ends, even if you were in the middle of watching or listening.

If you cancel an Apple One bundle, you lose access to all the services in that bundle at once. You can downgrade to a lower tier instead of canceling completely — for example, switching from the bundle to just Apple TV+ — and your new price takes effect at your next billing date.

If you bought individual movies or TV shows through the Apple TV app (not through a subscription), you keep access to those purchases even if you cancel Apple TV+. Subscriptions and purchases are separate.

Using Apple TV+ and Apple Music on non-Apple devices

You do not need an Apple TV device to use Apple TV+ or Apple Music. Both services work on Android phones, Windows computers, Samsung smart TVs, Roku devices, Amazon Fire TV, and many other platforms.

Apple TV+ is available through the Apple TV app on most smart TVs and streaming devices, or through a web browser at tv.apple.com. Apple Music is available through the Apple Music app on Android and through web browsers, as well as on smart speakers and car systems.

Your subscription works the same way on any device — you sign in with your Apple ID, and you can watch or listen on any device where you are signed in. This means you can start watching a show on your iPhone and continue on your Apple TV device without losing your place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get Apple Music if I buy Apple TV hardware?

No. Buying an Apple TV device gives you the hardware and the free Apple TV app, but not a subscription to Apple Music or Apple TV+. Both are paid services you must subscribe to separately.

Can I get Apple TV+ and Apple Music together cheaper?

Yes, through an Apple One bundle. A bundle that includes both services costs less per month than buying them separately. You can see the exact savings on Apple's website.

What is the difference between Apple TV and Apple TV+?

Apple TV is the name of both the hardware device and the free app. Apple TV+ is the paid subscription service inside that app. The app lets you rent or buy individual shows and movies for free, but Apple TV+ is the unlimited streaming subscription.

Can I use Apple Music on my Apple TV device?

Yes, if you have an Apple Music subscription. The Apple Music app is available on Apple TV devices. You sign in with your Apple ID and can listen to music, create playlists, and use Siri voice commands to play songs.

What if I only want Apple TV+ and not Apple Music?

You can subscribe to Apple TV+ alone without Apple Music. You do not have to buy a bundle. Sign up for Apple TV+ through the Apple TV app or through your Apple ID settings, and you will be charged only for that service.