Where the Free Three Months Comes From

Apple TV+ offers three months free when you buy certain Apple devices—not through a separate promotion code or sign-up. The free period is bundled with the device itself. You get it automatically when you set up a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV box, or Apple Watch, as long as you meet the device requirements and haven't used a free trial recently.

The devices that may have access to vary slightly by region and change over time. Generally, newer models (usually from the current year or the previous two years) include the offer. Older refurbished or heavily discounted devices may not. The free period starts the moment you set up the device and sign in with your Apple ID—you don't need to do anything extra to "unlock" it.

Key Takeaways

  • The three-month free offer comes automatically when you set up a new may have access to Apple device, not from a code or separate sign-up.
  • You must sign in with your Apple ID during device setup to receive the offer; it does not work if you skip that step.
  • If you have used an Apple TV+ free trial in the past three months, you will not be able to claim another one when ready.
  • After three months, your subscription will convert to a paid plan unless you cancel before the free period ends.
  • The offer applies only to new devices; used or previously activated devices do not include the free trial.

Which Devices may have access to for the Free Trial

Not every Apple device comes with the offer. The promotion typically includes new iPhone models (usually the current generation and one or two prior), iPad models, Mac computers, Apple TV 4K boxes, and Apple Watch models. Budget or entry-level devices sometimes may have access to, but older stock or clearance items often do not.

The safest way to confirm is to check the product page on Apple's website before you buy. Look for language that says "includes three months of Apple TV+" or similar wording. If the page does not mention it, contact Apple Support or ask a sales associate in an Apple Store. Device may be able to access can shift when Apple releases new models, so what may have access to last month may not may have access to this month.

How to set up the Offer During Device Setup

When you unbox your new device, follow the on-screen setup steps. At some point during setup, you will be asked to sign in with your Apple ID. This is the critical moment: you must complete the sign-in process for the free trial to attach to your account. If you skip this step or set up the device without signing in, you will lose the offer.

After you sign in, the system will show you that Apple TV+ is included. You may see a prompt saying "Get three months free" or similar language. You do not need to click anything extra—the offer is already yours. The free period begins when ready, even if you do not open the Apple TV app right away. You can start watching whenever you want during those three months.

What Happens When the Free Period Ends

After three months, your subscription will automatically convert to a paid monthly plan unless you cancel before the free period ends. The monthly cost varies by region but is typically around $9.99 in the United States. Apple will send you a reminder email a few days before the charge hits, so you have time to decide whether to keep the subscription or cancel.

To cancel before you are charged, open the Apple TV app, go to your account settings, find the subscription section, and select "Cancel Subscription." You can also manage it through Settings on your device or through your Apple ID account on Apple's website. If you cancel during the free period, you lose access when ready—you cannot watch Apple TV+ content after cancellation, even if days remain in the three months.

If You Have Used a Free Trial Recently

Apple limits free trials to one per person within a certain window. If you have already used a free trial for Apple TV+ in the past three months, you will not be able to claim another one when you set up a new device. The system checks your Apple ID history and blocks the offer if you are ineligible.

If this happens, you have two options: wait until your previous trial period is old enough (usually three months from when it ended), or pay for a subscription when ready. There is no way to override this restriction or request an exception. If you are unsure whether you have used a trial recently, sign in to your Apple ID account online and check your subscription history under "Manage Your Apple ID."

Troubleshooting When the Offer Does Not Appear

If you set up your device and did not see the free trial offer, the most common cause is that you did not sign in with your Apple ID during setup. If you skipped that step, you can still sign in afterward, but the offer may not retroactively attach. Try signing out of your Apple ID completely, then signing back in. Sometimes this triggers the offer to appear.

If signing in again does not work, the device itself may not may have access to, or you may have already used a free trial recently. Contact Apple Support with your device serial number and the date you purchased it. They can confirm whether the device is may be able to access and whether your account is blocked from another trial. Do not assume the offer is gone until Apple Support tells you directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the free trial on multiple devices?

No. The free trial is tied to your Apple ID, not to individual devices. Once you claim it on one device, it covers your entire Apple TV+ account across all your devices. If you buy a second Apple device, you will not get another three months free.

What if I buy a device as a gift for someone else?

The person who receives the gift can claim the free trial when they set up the device with their own Apple ID. The offer is not locked to the person who purchased it. Make sure they sign in during setup so they do not miss it.

Can I pause my subscription instead of canceling?

Apple TV+ does not have a pause feature. You can only cancel or keep paying. If you want to stop charges temporarily, you must cancel and then resubscribe later. You will not get the free trial again if you resubscribe within three months of your cancellation.

Does the free trial work with a family sharing plan?

The free trial attaches to the Apple ID that signs in during device setup. If that person is part of a family sharing group, the entire group can watch Apple TV+ during the free period. After three months, only the account holder is charged, but family members can still watch if they are on the plan.

What if I return the device—do I lose the free trial?

If you return the device within the return window, the free trial remains on your Apple ID. You can use it on a different device later. If you return the device after the return period closes, you keep the trial and the subscription continues on your account.