Apple TV in 2026: Plans, Pricing, Pros, Cons, and Competitors
Apple TV has evolved considerably since Apple launched the streaming service as Apple TV+ in 2019. The 2026 service combines an expanding lineup of original shows and movies with live Formula 1, Major League Soccer, and Friday Night Baseball—all without introducing a higher-priced sports tier.
Apple also simplified the service’s name in October 2025, dropping the plus sign and rebranding Apple TV+ as simply Apple TV.
That name can be confusing because Apple TV may also refer to Apple’s streaming app or Apple TV 4K hardware. This review is about the Apple TV subscription streaming service.
What Is Apple TV?
Apple TV is Apple’s subscription service for original shows, movies, documentaries, children’s programming, and live sports.
Its best-known titles include:
- Ted Lasso
- Severance
- The Morning Show
- Silo
- Slow Horses
- Shrinking
- Foundation
- The Studio
- Monarch: Legacy of Monsters
- Pachinko
Apple says it will release new original programming every week during 2026. The service also includes Formula 1, MLS matches, and Friday Night Baseball for US subscribers at no additional charge. See Apple’s 2026 lineup.
Unlike many competitors, Apple TV focuses primarily on exclusive programming instead of maintaining an enormous catalog of older licensed shows and movies.
Apple TV Plans and Pricing
Apple TV keeps its pricing simpler than Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max. There is one standalone plan, with no separate ad-supported, HD, or premium 4K tier.
Standalone and Bundle Options
OptionUS priceWhat is includedApple TV$12.99 per monthApple Originals, Formula 1, MLS, and Friday Night BaseballApple TV + Peacock Premium$14.99 per monthApple TV plus Peacock’s ad-supported Premium serviceApple TV + Peacock Premium Plus$19.99 per monthApple TV plus Peacock Premium Plus, which is mostly ad-freeApple One Individual$19.95 per monthApple TV, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and 50GB of iCloud+Apple One Family$27.95 per monthApple TV, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and 200GB of iCloud+, shareable with up to five other peopleApple One Premier$39.95 per monthApple TV, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Fitness+, News+, and 2TB of iCloud+, shareable with up to five other people
The Apple TV and Peacock bundles are available in the United States through Apple or Peacock. Customers who already subscribe to one or both services may need to manage their existing subscriptions to avoid duplicate charges. Review Apple’s bundle terms.
Apple One makes the most sense for people who already pay for services such as Apple Music, iCloud+, or Apple Arcade. Viewers who only want Apple’s shows and sports will usually spend less with the standalone plan.
Free Trials and Special Offers
Eligible new subscribers can receive a seven-day free trial of Apple TV.
Apple also offers three free months when an eligible new Apple device is purchased and the offer is redeemed within 90 days. The Apple Music Student Plan includes Apple TV access for eligible students.
Offers and eligibility requirements can change, so subscribers should check Apple’s current pricing and promotions before signing up.
Does Apple TV Have Ads?
Apple describes its original dramas, comedies, and movies as ad-free. Live sports may still include normal breaks, sponsorships, or broadcast-related promotional material.
Apple TV does not offer a discounted ad-supported standalone plan. Everyone receives the same basic service at the same price.
The Peacock Premium option in the Apple TV and Peacock bundle does contain ads. Peacock Premium Plus removes most advertising, although limited exceptions apply to live events, channels, and certain programs.
Streaming Quality and Family Sharing
Apple TV offers supported titles in formats including 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos without charging for a premium video-quality tier. Actual playback quality depends on the title, device, display, audio equipment, and internet connection.
A subscription can be shared through Apple Family Sharing with up to five other family members, giving as many as six people access while allowing each person to use a separate Apple Account. Apple explains how Family Sharing works.
Apple TV can be watched through:
- iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro
- Android phones and tablets
- Compatible smart TVs
- Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices
- Google TV and Chromecast devices
- PlayStation and Xbox consoles
- Web browsers at tv.apple.com
- Apple TV streaming devices
You do not need to own an iPhone, Mac, or Apple TV 4K device to subscribe.
Apple TV’s Sports Lineup
Sports have become a much bigger part of Apple TV in 2026.
US subscribers receive:
- Formula 1
- Major League Soccer
- Friday Night Baseball
Apple includes this coverage in the standard $12.99 subscription rather than selling it as a separate sports add-on. Availability may vary by country or region.
The addition of Formula 1 significantly strengthens the service for motorsports fans. However, Apple TV is not a complete replacement for a cable package or live-TV service because it does not carry the broad selection of leagues and channels found on services such as YouTube TV or Fubo.
Pros and Cons of Apple TV
Pros
- Acclaimed original shows and movies
- No advertisements during Apple Original on-demand programming
- Formula 1, MLS, and Friday Night Baseball included in the US
- 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos available without a premium tier
- One straightforward standalone plan
- Family Sharing for up to six people
- Works on Apple and non-Apple devices
- Useful Apple One and Peacock bundles
- New original programming released regularly
Cons
- Smaller overall catalog than Netflix, Disney+, or Prime Video
- Limited selection of older licensed shows and movies
- No lower-priced ad-supported standalone option
- No discounted annual standalone plan
- Some viewers may not find enough new content to remain subscribed year-round
- Sports availability varies outside the United States
- The Apple TV name is easily confused with the app and streaming device
- Movies and shows offered for rental or purchase in the Apple TV app are not included automatically
Apple TV Versus Its Competitors
The following comparison uses US monthly prices available in August 2026. Prices and features can change.
ServiceLowest monthly priceLowest ad-free priceMain advantageApple TV$12.99$12.99Premium originals plus F1, MLS, and baseballNetflix$8.99 with ads$19.99Largest variety of global programmingDisney+$11.99 with ads$18.99Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National GeographicHBO Max$10.99 with ads$18.49HBO programming, Warner Bros. films, and a deep catalogPrime Video$8.99 standaloneAdditional fee required to remove most adsBroad catalog and integration with Amazon PrimePeacock$10.99 with ads$16.99 with limited exceptionsNBCUniversal shows, movies, news, and live sports
Netflix currently lists its US plans, while Disney+, HBO Max, Prime Video, and Peacock publish their respective options online.
Apple TV vs. Netflix
Netflix has a much larger and more varied catalog, including licensed programming, international productions, reality shows, documentaries, and a growing selection of live events.
Apple TV offers fewer titles but emphasizes carefully produced originals. It also provides ad-free viewing and premium video formats at a lower price than Netflix’s ad-free plans.
Choose Netflix for variety. Choose Apple TV if its specific originals and sports coverage appeal to you.
Apple TV vs. Disney+
Disney+ has a much deeper library of recognizable franchises and family programming. It is the stronger choice for households interested in Disney animation, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.
Apple TV has fewer titles but offers more programming aimed at viewers looking for prestige drama, science fiction, workplace comedy, and original films. Its standalone plan is also ad-free.
Apple TV vs. HBO Max
HBO Max combines new originals with decades of HBO and Warner Bros. programming. Its library is considerably larger than Apple TV’s, but its ad-free plans cost more.
Apple TV is the more affordable ad-free option, while HBO Max is better for viewers who prioritize catalog depth.
Apple TV vs. Prime Video
Prime Video offers a broader selection and can be purchased separately or received through an Amazon Prime membership. Its interface also includes rentals, purchases, and paid channel subscriptions, which can make it difficult to tell what is included.
Apple TV has a smaller but more focused subscription catalog. Both services display separately priced content in their respective apps, so viewers should check for an “included” label before assuming a title is covered.
Apple TV vs. Peacock
Peacock offers a broader mix of NBC and Bravo shows, Universal films, news, and live sports. Its standard Premium plan contains advertising.
For viewers interested in both services, the $14.99 Apple TV and Peacock Premium bundle is much less expensive than buying the two separately. The $19.99 Premium Plus bundle is the better choice for viewers who want fewer ads and offline downloads on Peacock.
Is Apple TV Worth It in 2026?
Apple TV is worth considering if you want high-quality original programming, Formula 1, MLS, or Friday Night Baseball. Its $12.99 price includes ad-free on-demand originals, premium video formats, and Family Sharing without requiring an upgrade.
Its biggest limitation is the size of its catalog. Apple TV has fewer shows and movies than its largest competitors, so it may work better as a complement to another service than as a household’s only subscription.
The service offers especially strong value in three situations:
- You want Apple Originals and live sports: Choose the standalone $12.99 plan.
- You also watch Peacock: Choose the $14.99 or $19.99 Apple TV and Peacock bundle.
- You already use several Apple services: Compare the cost of an Apple One bundle with your existing subscriptions.
Final Thoughts
Apple TV is no longer just a small collection of prestige shows. In 2026, its combination of acclaimed originals, weekly releases, Formula 1, MLS, and Friday Night Baseball makes it a more complete streaming service.
It still cannot match Netflix, Disney+, or HBO Max for sheer catalog size. However, its straightforward pricing, lack of an on-demand ad tier, Family Sharing, and included premium video quality give it a clear place in a crowded market.
The final verdict: Subscribe if at least two or three Apple Originals—or its live sports coverage—are already on your watchlist. Choose the Peacock bundle if you use both services, or consider subscribing for a few months at a time if Apple’s smaller catalog does not justify keeping it year-round.
Ready to try it? Review Apple’s current offers, start with the free trial if you are eligible, and explore the catalog before committing to another monthly subscription.
Thank you for visiting,
Mark
