Apple TV+ offers two subscription tiers: one with ads and one without

Apple TV+ launched an ad-supported plan in October 2022, alongside its original ad-free option. The ad-free plan costs more per month but includes no interruptions. The ad-supported plan costs less but shows advertisements during shows and movies. Both plans give you access to the same content library — the difference is only in how you watch it.

If you already subscribe to Apple TV+, you are on the ad-free plan unless you switched to the cheaper tier. New subscribers see both options at sign-up and can choose which fits their budget and viewing preference.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV+ has two plans: an ad-free plan at a higher monthly price, and an ad-supported plan at a lower price with commercials.
  • Both plans access the same shows, movies, and sports content — only the ad experience differs.
  • The ad-supported plan shows ads at the start, middle, and end of content, similar to traditional television.
  • You can switch between plans at any time through your account settings without losing your watch history or saved shows.
  • Bundle pricing through Apple One includes the ad-supported plan, not the ad-free version.

How many ads you see on the ad-supported plan

The ad-supported plan shows commercials before, during, and after shows and movies. Apple does not publish the exact number of ad breaks per hour, but reports from users indicate roughly 4 to 5 minutes of ads per hour of content — similar to what you would see on cable television or free streaming services.

Ad length and frequency vary by title. Some shows have ads clustered at the start and end; others break them throughout. You cannot skip ads, and they play at full volume. The ads are typically 15 to 30 seconds each.

Price difference between the two plans

The ad-free plan costs $11.99 per month as a standalone subscription. The ad-supported plan costs $6.99 per month. That is a $5 monthly difference, or about $60 per year if you choose the cheaper tier.

If you bundle Apple TV+ with other Apple services through Apple One, you get the ad-supported version of Apple TV+ included. The Individual plan (which includes Apple TV+, Apple Music, and iCloud+ storage) costs $19.95 per month. To get the ad-free version within a bundle, you would need the Premier tier at $34.95 per month, which adds Apple Arcade and more iCloud storage.

What content is available on each plan

Both plans stream the same shows and movies. You get access to Apple's originals like Ted Lasso, Severance, Foundation, and Slow Horses. You can also watch films, documentaries, and sports programming like MLS Season Pass and Friday Night Baseball.

The only restriction is that some content may not be available in all regions depending on licensing agreements. This applies equally to both plans — your location determines what you can watch, not whether you pay for ads or not.

How to switch between plans

You can change your plan at any time through your Apple account settings. On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap your name, select Subscriptions, then Apple TV+, and choose Edit Subscription. On a Mac or web browser, go to appleid.apple.com, click Subscriptions, select Apple TV+, and choose Change Plan.

When you switch from ad-free to ad-supported, the change takes effect when ready and your bill adjusts on your next billing date. If you switch from ad-supported to ad-free, you pay the difference prorated for the remainder of your current billing cycle. Your watch history, saved shows, and profile settings stay the same when you switch.

Whether ads follow you across devices

If you watch on the ad-supported plan, you see ads on every device you use — iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, smart TV, or web browser. There is no way to watch ad-free on one device while on the ad-supported plan overall. The ads are tied to your account tier, not to individual devices.

If you share your Apple TV+ account with family members, they also see ads if you are on the ad-supported plan. Each person in a shared household sees the same ad experience unless they have their own separate subscription.

Comparing Apple TV+ to other streaming services with ads

Most major streaming services now offer ad-supported tiers. Disney+ has an ad-supported plan at $7.99 per month versus $13.99 ad-free. Hulu's ad-supported plan is $7.99 per month versus $14.99 ad-free. Max (formerly HBO Max) charges $5.99 for ads and $19.99 for ad-free. Netflix's ad-supported plan is $6.99 per month.

Apple TV+ pricing is competitive with these services. The ad-supported plan at $6.99 is among the cheapest entry points to a major streaming service. The ad-free plan at $11.99 is higher than some competitors but includes access to Apple's exclusive content and sports programming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch offline on the ad-supported plan?

Yes, both plans allow you to read shows and movies to watch offline. The ad-supported plan does not restrict downloads. When you watch a downloaded title, no ads play because there is no internet connection to deliver them.

Do I see ads on Apple TV+ sports like MLS or Friday Night Baseball?

Yes, if you are on the ad-supported plan, you see ads during sports programming just as you do with regular shows. The sports content itself may also include natural broadcast breaks where ads appear, similar to traditional television coverage.

What happens if I share my password with someone outside my household?

Apple TV+ allows password sharing, but the person using your account sees the same plan tier you are on. If you are on ad-supported, they see ads. Apple does not currently restrict sharing the way some services do, but this could change.

Can I upgrade mid-month without losing my subscription?

Yes, you can switch plans at any time and your subscription continues without interruption. If you upgrade from ad-supported to ad-free mid-month, you pay a prorated amount for the remainder of your billing cycle, then the new price applies going forward.

Does the free trial include ads?

Apple TV+ no longer offers a free trial to new subscribers. If you are may be able to access for a trial through a device purchase or carrier promotion, the trial version is typically ad-free, but this varies by promotion.