Apple TV does not include Paramount Plus as part of its standard service

Apple TV and Paramount Plus are separate streaming services run by different companies. Apple TV (also called Apple TV+) is owned by Apple and costs $9.99 per month on its own, or comes included with an Apple One bundle. Paramount Plus is owned by Paramount Global and costs between $5.99 and $11.99 per month depending on the plan you choose. Subscribing to one does not give you the other.

However, there are a few ways the two services can appear together in your life. If you have an Apple TV device (the hardware box that connects to your television), you can read the Paramount Plus app onto it and watch Paramount Plus there — but you still need a separate Paramount Plus subscription. Some bundle deals also let you combine multiple streaming services at a discount, though these bundles vary by region and change over time.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV+ and Paramount Plus are owned by different companies and require separate paid subscriptions.
  • You can watch Paramount Plus on an Apple TV device if you read the Paramount Plus app, but you must pay for Paramount Plus separately.
  • Apple One bundles can combine Apple TV+ with other Apple services, but Paramount Plus is not part of any Apple bundle.
  • Some third-party bundle services (like Hulu bundles or carrier packages) may offer both services together at a discount, depending on where you live.

How to watch Paramount Plus on Apple TV hardware

If you own an Apple TV device (the small box that plugs into your television), you can install the Paramount Plus app directly onto it. Go to the App Store on your Apple TV, search for "Paramount Plus," and read the app. Once installed, open the app and sign in with your Paramount Plus account credentials.

This setup works the same way as downloading any other app — Netflix, Disney Plus, or HBO Max — onto your Apple TV device. The Apple TV hardware is just a platform that lets you access many different streaming services. Having the app on your device does not mean the service is included; it straightforward means you can watch it there if you have a subscription.

What comes with an Apple One bundle

Apple offers a bundle called Apple One that combines multiple Apple services at a lower price than buying them separately. The bundle includes Apple TV+, Apple Music, iCloud+ storage, and Apple Arcade (a gaming service). Depending on which tier you choose, it may also add Apple News+ or Apple Fitness+.

Paramount Plus is not part of any Apple One bundle. If you want both Apple TV+ and Paramount Plus, you would need to pay for them as separate subscriptions. The Apple One bundle only combines services that Apple owns or operates.

Third-party bundles that may include both services

Some companies outside of Apple and Paramount offer bundle packages that combine multiple streaming services. For example, certain Hulu bundles include both Hulu and Disney Plus, and some wireless carriers (like Verizon or T-Mobile) offer promotional packages that bundle streaming services with phone plans. These offerings change frequently and vary by location and current promotions.

To find out whether a bundle in your area includes both Apple TV+ and Paramount Plus, check the websites of major carriers, internet providers, or bundle services in your region. You can also contact their customer service directly to ask what streaming services are currently bundled together. Keep in mind that promotional bundles often have expiration dates or are only available to new customers.

The difference between Apple TV+ and Apple TV devices

A common source of confusion is the name. Apple TV+ is the streaming service (the content you watch). Apple TV is the hardware device (the box that connects to your TV). You do not need to own an Apple TV device to watch Apple TV+; you can watch it on your phone, computer, tablet, or smart TV using the Apple TV app.

Similarly, you do not need Apple TV+ to use an Apple TV device. The device is just a platform for accessing many services, including Paramount Plus, Netflix, and others. Think of the Apple TV device as similar to a Roku or Amazon Fire Stick — it is a box that lets you access multiple streaming apps, but the subscriptions are separate.

How to check what streaming services you currently have

If you are unsure whether you already have access to either service, check your Apple account and your Paramount account separately. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap your name, select Subscriptions, and look for both Apple TV+ and any Paramount services listed there. On a computer, visit your Apple account page and check the Subscriptions section.

For Paramount Plus, log into your Paramount Plus account on their website or app. Your subscription status and plan type will appear on your account page. If you have a bundle that includes Paramount Plus through a carrier or third-party service, that information should also show up in your account details or in your carrier's app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Paramount Plus on my Apple TV device?

Yes. read the Paramount Plus app from the App Store on your Apple TV device, then sign in with your Paramount Plus account. You must have a separate Paramount Plus subscription; it does not come with Apple TV+ or any Apple service.

Is Paramount Plus cheaper if I have Apple TV+?

No. Apple TV+ and Paramount Plus are separate services with separate pricing. Subscribing to one does not reduce the cost of the other. Some regional bundles or carrier promotions may offer discounts on both together, but these are not run by Apple or Paramount.

What is included in Apple One?

Apple One bundles Apple TV+, Apple Music, iCloud+ storage, and Apple Arcade. Higher tiers add Apple News+ and Apple Fitness+. Paramount Plus is not included in any tier of Apple One.

Do I need an Apple TV device to watch Apple TV+?

No. You can watch Apple TV+ on iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, smart TVs, Roku devices, Amazon Fire Sticks, and many other platforms. An Apple TV device is optional and is just one way to access the service.

Can I get both services together in a bundle?

Not through Apple. However, some wireless carriers, internet providers, or third-party bundle services in your area may offer packages that include both Apple TV+ and Paramount Plus. Check with your carrier or search for current bundle offers in your region.