Apple TV+ has a free trial, but there are other free options too
Apple TV+ itself does not have a permanent free tier — the streaming service requires a paid subscription. However, Apple does offer a free trial that lasts three months if you buy a new Apple device, or seven days if you sign up directly. Beyond that, you can watch some content for free through the Apple TV app without subscribing to Apple TV+, and there are legitimate free services that carry some of the same shows and movies.
The key distinction is between Apple TV+ (the subscription service) and the Apple TV app (the free software where you can rent, buy, or watch free content). Many people confuse the two because they share a name and live in the same app.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV+ offers a three-month free trial if you purchase a new Apple device, or a seven-day trial if you sign up directly through the Apple TV app.
- The Apple TV app itself is free and includes free ad-supported channels, rentals, and purchases — you do not need an Apple TV+ subscription to use it.
- Some Apple TV+ shows and movies appear on free ad-supported services like Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel months or years after their original release.
- If you have an Apple One bundle subscription (which bundles Apple TV+ with iCloud, Apple Music, and other services), the cost per service is lower than subscribing to Apple TV+ alone.
The free trial: how long it lasts and who qualifies
If you buy a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, or Apple Watch, you get three months of Apple TV+ free. This applies whether you buy from Apple directly or from an authorized retailer. You must set up the trial within three months of the device purchase, and you need an Apple ID to set it up.
If you do not own an Apple device or do not want to buy one, you can sign up for a seven-day free trial directly through the Apple TV app on any device — iPhone, Android phone, smart TV, or web browser. After the trial ends, your subscription converts to a paid plan unless you cancel before the trial period closes.
Apple does not currently offer a free tier that continues indefinitely after the trial. Once the trial ends, you must pay to keep watching Apple TV+ content.
Free content in the Apple TV app (no subscription required)
The Apple TV app is free to read and use. Inside it, you will find several ways to watch without paying for Apple TV+. The app includes free ad-supported channels — these are curated feeds of movies and TV shows from various studios that you can watch for free with ads. The selection changes regularly, and the channels available depend on your region and device.
You can also rent or buy individual movies and TV episodes through the Apple TV app without an Apple TV+ subscription. These purchases are separate from the subscription and cost between a few dollars and $20 or more per title, depending on the content and whether you choose to rent (temporary access) or buy (permanent access).
Additionally, if you subscribe to other services — like Paramount+, Peacock, or AMC+ — you can watch those services' content directly through the Apple TV app if you link your accounts. This does not make the content free, but it centralizes your viewing in one app.
Where Apple TV+ shows appear for free after release
Some Apple TV+ original shows and movies eventually appear on free ad-supported services months or years after their initial release. Services like Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and Freevee (Amazon's free ad-supported service) sometimes carry older Apple TV+ content. The timing is unpredictable and depends on licensing agreements between Apple and each platform.
This is not a reliable way to watch new releases — you may wait a year or longer, if the content appears at all. But if you are willing to wait and do not mind ads, checking these free services occasionally may turn up Apple TV+ shows you want to see.
Apple One bundle: lower cost if you use multiple Apple services
If you already pay for Apple Music, iCloud+ storage, or Apple Arcade, bundling them with Apple TV+ through Apple One costs less than subscribing to each service separately. Apple One comes in three tiers: Individual (includes Apple TV+, Apple Music, iCloud+ 50GB, and Apple Arcade), Family (adds up to five family members and 200GB iCloud+ storage), and Premier (adds Apple News+ and Apple Fitness+).
This does not make Apple TV+ free, but it reduces the per-service cost if you use multiple Apple services already. The Individual plan costs less per month than Apple TV+ alone, but only if you would otherwise pay for at least one other service in the bundle.
How to cancel before your trial ends
If you start a free trial and decide you do not want to continue, cancel before the trial period ends to avoid being charged. On iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app, tap your name, select Subscriptions, find Apple TV+, and tap Cancel Subscription. On a Mac, open System Settings, click your name, select Subscriptions, find Apple TV+, and click Cancel. On the web, go to your Apple ID account page, select Subscriptions, find Apple TV+, and click Manage.
Mark your calendar with the trial end date so you do not forget. Apple will send you a reminder email a few days before the charge, but canceling yourself ensures there is no confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a free trial if I already had Apple TV+ before?
No. Apple TV+ free trials are for new subscribers only. If you have canceled your subscription and want to resubscribe, you do not receive another trial. Some promotions occasionally offer trials to returning subscribers, but these are rare and usually tied to specific device purchases or carrier partnerships.
Does Apple TV+ come free with Apple Music or other subscriptions?
Not separately. Apple TV+ is not included in Apple Music, iCloud+, or Apple Arcade individually. However, Apple One bundles Apple TV+ with other services at a discount. If you do not subscribe to Apple One, you must pay for Apple TV+ as a standalone subscription.
Can I watch Apple TV+ shows on free streaming services like Netflix or Hulu?
Not unless you have a paid subscription to those services. Apple TV+ content is exclusive to Apple TV+ and does not appear on Netflix or Hulu. Some older Apple TV+ shows may eventually appear on free ad-supported services, but this is not may provide and can take years.
What happens if I use a free trial but do not cancel?
Your account will automatically convert to a paid subscription when the trial ends, and you will be charged the monthly rate. Apple sends reminder emails before the charge, but it is your responsibility to cancel if you do not want to pay. Check your subscription settings a few days before the trial ends to confirm your cancellation went through.
Is there any way to get Apple TV+ permanently free?
No. Apple TV+ requires a paid subscription after the trial period. The only way to watch Apple TV+ content without paying is to use the free trial, wait for content to appear on free ad-supported services (which is unpredictable), or watch through someone else's account if they share their login with you.