Apple TV+ offers an annual plan, but only through specific routes
Apple TV+ does have an annual subscription option, but you cannot buy it directly from Apple the way you might expect. The annual plan costs $99 per year in the United States and is available only if you purchase it through Apple One (Apple's bundle service) or through certain third-party retailers and carriers. If you go to the Apple TV+ website or app and subscribe on your own, you will see only the monthly option at $9.99 per month.
The annual plan saves you money compared to paying month-to-month — $99 per year works out to about $8.25 per month, versus the full $9.99 monthly rate. However, the way Apple structures its sales means most people end up on the monthly plan unless they specifically seek out the bundle or a partner offer.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV+ annual subscriptions cost $99 per year but are sold through Apple One bundles or third-party partners, not directly on the Apple TV+ app.
- The monthly plan costs $9.99 per month, making the annual plan about $1.74 cheaper per month if you commit to a full year.
- Apple One bundles pair Apple TV+ with iCloud+ storage and Apple Music, starting at $14.95 per month or $149.95 per year.
- Some carriers and retailers offer Apple TV+ annual plans as part of phone plans or promotional bundles, so pricing and availability vary by provider.
- You can cancel an annual subscription at any time, but you will not receive a refund for unused months.
How to buy an Apple TV+ annual subscription through Apple One
The most straightforward way to get the annual plan is through Apple One, which bundles Apple TV+ with Apple Music and iCloud+ storage. The Apple One Individual plan costs $14.95 per month or $149.95 per year. If you already pay for Apple Music or iCloud+ separately, switching to Apple One can lower your total cost while giving you the annual TV+ rate.
To set up Apple One, go to Settings on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, tap your name at the top, select Subscriptions, then tap Apple One. You can also visit apple.com and sign in to your Apple ID to manage subscriptions there. When you choose the annual billing option during setup, you will be charged $149.95 once per year instead of $14.95 each month.
If you already have an active Apple TV+ monthly subscription, switching to Apple One will replace it. Your new annual billing date will be one year from the day you make the switch, not from your original subscription start date.
Third-party retailers and carrier offers for annual plans
Some wireless carriers, internet providers, and retailers bundle Apple TV+ annual subscriptions with their services. For example, certain phone plans or broadband packages may include a free year of Apple TV+ or offer it at a discount. Best Buy, Target, and other retailers sometimes sell Apple TV+ gift cards or promotional codes that include annual access.
Pricing and terms vary widely depending on the provider and the current promotion. A carrier might offer three months free with a new phone plan, while a retailer might sell a one-year code at a reduced rate during a sale. Check with your current phone or internet provider to see whether they offer Apple TV+ as part of your plan, and check major retailers during holiday sales periods if you are looking for a discount.
When you redeem a gift card or promotional code, it will be added to your Apple ID and will begin your subscription period from the redemption date, not from a future date you choose.
Comparing annual and monthly costs over time
The math on annual versus monthly depends on how long you plan to keep the subscription. If you subscribe for the full 12 months, the annual plan saves you $20.88 per year ($99 annually versus $119.88 monthly). However, if you cancel after six months, you will have paid $99 upfront and received only six months of service, whereas the monthly plan would have cost you $59.94 for the same period.
Apple TV+ does not prorate refunds, meaning if you buy an annual subscription and cancel after two months, you will not receive a refund for the remaining ten months. This is an important difference from the monthly plan, where you can cancel at the end of any billing cycle with no penalty.
| Plan Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Cost Per Month | Cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly subscription | $9.99 | $119.88 (if kept 12 months) | $9.99 | Cancel anytime, no refund for unused time |
| Annual subscription | N/A | $99 | $8.25 | Cancel anytime, no refund for unused time |
| Apple One Individual (includes TV+, Music, iCloud+) | $14.95 | $149.95 | $12.50 | Cancel anytime, no refund for unused time |
What happens if you switch between monthly and annual plans
You can change from a monthly subscription to an annual one at any time, or vice versa. If you switch from monthly to annual mid-cycle, your monthly subscription will end on its regular billing date, and your annual subscription will begin the next day. You will not be charged twice in the same month.
If you switch from annual to monthly before your annual period ends, your annual subscription will continue until its end date. You cannot downgrade to monthly and get a refund for the remaining annual balance. Your monthly subscription will set up on the day after your annual period expires.
Regional pricing and availability
Apple TV+ pricing varies by country. The $99 annual plan and $9.99 monthly plan explore in the United States. In Canada, the annual plan costs CAD $119, and in the United Kingdom it costs £99. Other countries have different pricing structures, and some regions may not offer an annual option at all.
If you travel or move to a different country, your subscription will continue to work, but any new purchases or plan changes will reflect the pricing in your current location. Check Apple's regional pricing page or your local Apple Store to see what options are available where you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy an Apple TV+ annual subscription directly from the Apple TV+ app?
No. The Apple TV+ app and website only offer the monthly plan at $9.99 per month. To get the annual plan, you must purchase it through Apple One or a third-party provider such as a carrier or retailer.
Do I get a refund if I cancel my annual subscription early?
No. Apple TV+ does not refund unused months on annual subscriptions. If you cancel after two months of a 12-month plan, you will not receive a refund for the remaining ten months. You can cancel anytime, but the money is not returned.
Is the Apple One annual plan cheaper than buying Apple TV+ annually on its own?
Apple One costs $149.95 per year and includes Apple TV+, Apple Music, and iCloud+ storage. If you already pay for Apple Music ($10.99/month) or iCloud+ ($0.99–$9.99/month depending on storage), Apple One is usually cheaper. If you only want Apple TV+, the standalone annual plan at $99 is less expensive.
What if my carrier offers Apple TV+ for free with my phone plan?
Free Apple TV+ through a carrier is typically a promotional offer lasting three to twelve months. After the promotion ends, you will be charged the regular monthly rate ($9.99) unless you cancel. Check your carrier's terms to see when the free period ends and what happens next.
Can I use an Apple TV+ annual gift card if I already have a monthly subscription?
Yes. When you redeem an annual gift card or code, it will extend your current subscription. If you have a monthly subscription active, the annual period will begin after your current monthly billing cycle ends, and you will not be double-charged.