Apple TV has evolved considerably since Apple launched the streaming service as Apple TV+ in 2019. In 2026, the service combines an expanding lineup of original shows and movies with live Formula 1, Major League Soccer, and Friday Night Baseball—all without requiring a separate sports package.
Apple simplified the service’s name in October 2025 by dropping the plus sign and rebranding Apple TV+ as simply Apple TV.
The name can be confusing because Apple TV may also refer to the Apple TV app or Apple TV 4K streaming device. This review focuses specifically on the Apple TV subscription streaming service.
What Is Apple TV?
Apple TV is Apple’s subscription streaming service for original shows, movies, documentaries, children’s programming, and live sports.
Some of 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. This may include new productions, returning seasons, and individual episodes released weekly.
The service also includes Formula 1, Major League Soccer, and Friday Night Baseball for US subscribers at no additional charge.
Unlike many competitors, Apple TV focuses primarily on exclusive programming instead of maintaining an enormous catalog of older licensed shows and movies. This approach makes its library easier to browse, although some subscribers may run out of programs that interest them.
Apple TV Plans and Pricing
Apple TV keeps its pricing simpler than Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max. It offers one standalone plan, with no separate ad-supported, HD, or premium 4K tier.
Standalone and Bundle Options
| Option | US price | What is included |
|---|---|---|
| Apple TV | $12.99 per month | Apple Originals, Formula 1, MLS, and Friday Night Baseball |
| Apple TV and Peacock Premium | $14.99 per month | Apple TV plus Peacock’s ad-supported Premium plan |
| Apple TV and Peacock Premium Plus | $19.99 per month | Apple TV plus Peacock’s mostly ad-free Premium Plus plan |
| Apple One Individual | $19.95 per month | Apple TV, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and 50GB of iCloud+ |
| Apple One Family | $27.95 per month | Apple TV, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and 200GB of iCloud+, shareable with up to five other people |
| Apple One Premier | $39.95 per month | Apple TV, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple News+, and 2TB of iCloud+, shareable with up to five other people |
Prices are current as of August 2026 and may change.
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.
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 of Apple TV with the purchase of an eligible new Apple device when the offer is redeemed within 90 days. Eligibility restrictions apply, and the promotion may be limited to new or qualified returning subscribers.
The Apple Music Student Plan also includes Apple TV access for eligible students.
Offers and eligibility requirements can change, so review Apple’s current terms before signing up or purchasing a device because of a promotional offer.
Does Apple TV Have Ads?
Apple’s original shows and movies stream without traditional commercial breaks. Live sports may still include standard advertising breaks, sponsorships, and other broadcast-related promotional content.
Apple TV does not offer a lower-priced, ad-supported standalone plan. Every standalone subscriber receives the same on-demand viewing experience at the same price.
The Peacock Premium plan included in the lower-priced Apple TV and Peacock bundle contains ads. Peacock Premium Plus removes most advertising, although limited exceptions apply to live events, channels, and certain programs.
Streaming Quality
Apple TV offers supported titles in the following video and audio formats:
- 4K Ultra HD
- HDR
- Dolby Vision
- Dolby Atmos
Apple does not charge extra for its best available picture and sound quality.
Not every title or device supports every format. Actual playback quality depends on the program, streaming device, television, audio equipment, internet connection, and regional availability.
This all-inclusive approach compares favorably with streaming services that reserve 4K resolution or enhanced audio for their most expensive plans.
Family Sharing
An Apple TV subscription can be shared through Apple Family Sharing with up to five other family members, giving as many as six people access.
Each person uses a separate Apple Account, allowing family members to maintain their own recommendations and viewing activity.
Family Sharing is different from casually sharing a password. One adult serves as the family organizer and invites the other members to join the group.
Supported Devices
Apple TV is available on a wide range of supported devices, including:
- 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.
Device support and available features may vary by country or region.
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 monthly subscription instead of selling it as a separate sports add-on.
Formula 1
Beginning with the 2026 season, Apple TV became the US home of Formula 1. Its inclusion significantly strengthens the service for motorsports fans.
Major League Soccer
Apple TV includes MLS coverage with the standard subscription. Viewers should check the current schedule and regional availability if they are subscribing to watch a particular team or match.
Friday Night Baseball
Apple TV also carries Friday Night Baseball, a weekly Major League Baseball doubleheader during the regular season.
Although these additions improve Apple TV’s sports value, the service is not a complete replacement for cable or a live-TV streaming provider. It does not carry the broad selection of local stations, news channels, entertainment networks, and sports leagues available through services such as YouTube TV or Fubo.
Pros and Cons of Apple TV
Pros
- Acclaimed original shows and movies
- No traditional commercial breaks during on-demand Apple Originals
- 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
- Support for Apple and non-Apple devices
- Useful Apple One and Peacock bundles
- New original programming released regularly
- Seven-day free trial for eligible new subscribers
Cons
- Smaller overall catalog than Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, or Prime Video
- Limited selection of older licensed shows and movies
- No lower-priced ad-supported standalone plan
- No prominently advertised annual standalone discount
- Some viewers may not find enough new content to remain subscribed year-round
- Sports availability varies outside the United States
- Not a complete replacement for cable or a live-TV service
- The Apple TV name is easily confused with the app and streaming device
- Rentals, purchases, and third-party channels shown in the Apple TV app cost extra
Apple TV Versus Its Competitors
The following comparison uses advertised US monthly prices available in August 2026. Prices, plans, and features can change.
| Service | Lowest monthly price | Lowest ad-free price | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV | $12.99 | $12.99 | Premium originals plus Formula 1, MLS, and baseball |
| Netflix | $8.99 with ads | $19.99 | Large variety of global programming |
| Disney+ | $11.99 with ads | $18.99 | Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic |
| HBO Max | $10.99 with ads | $18.49 | HBO programming, Warner Bros. films, and a deep catalog |
| Prime Video | $8.99 standalone | Additional fee to remove most ads | Broad catalog and integration with Amazon Prime |
| Peacock | $10.99 with ads | $16.99 with limited exceptions | NBCUniversal shows, movies, news, and live sports |
The least expensive service is not necessarily the best value for every viewer. The right choice depends on which catalog contains the programs you will actually watch.
Apple TV vs. Netflix
Netflix has a much larger and more varied catalog, including licensed programming, international productions, reality shows, documentaries, movies, and live events.
Apple TV offers fewer titles but places greater emphasis on carefully produced originals. It also provides ad-free on-demand viewing and premium video formats at a lower price than Netflix’s ad-free plans.
Choose Netflix if variety and volume matter most. Choose Apple TV if its exclusive shows and included 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 for viewers interested in prestige dramas, science fiction, workplace comedies, and original films. Its standalone plan also includes ad-free on-demand viewing.
Choose Disney+ for major franchises and family entertainment. Choose Apple TV for its exclusive originals, included sports, and lower ad-free starting price.
Apple TV vs. HBO Max
HBO Max combines current originals with decades of programming from HBO and Warner Bros. Its library is considerably larger than Apple TV’s, but its ad-free plans cost more.
Apple TV offers a smaller, more focused catalog and a lower ad-free starting price. It also includes its best available video and audio quality without requiring an upgrade to a premium plan.
Choose HBO Max if catalog depth and established franchises matter most. Choose Apple TV if you prefer its exclusives, included sports, and lower-priced ad-free plan.
Apple TV vs. Prime Video
Prime Video offers a broader selection and is available as a standalone subscription or as part of an Amazon Prime membership.
Its interface also displays rentals, purchases, and paid channel subscriptions, which can make it difficult to determine what is included with the base subscription.
Apple TV has a smaller but more focused subscription catalog. However, the Apple TV app also displays rentals, purchases, and third-party channels, so viewers should confirm that a title is included before trying to watch it.
Choose Prime Video for overall variety and Amazon Prime integration. Choose Apple TV for its focused collection of originals and included sports.
Apple TV vs. Peacock
Peacock offers a broader mix of NBC and Bravo shows, Universal films, news, and live sports. Its standard Peacock Premium plan includes advertising.
Apple TV has a smaller catalog but provides ad-free on-demand originals and exclusive series such as Severance, Ted Lasso, and Silo.
For viewers interested in both services, the $14.99 Apple TV and Peacock Premium bundle costs considerably less than purchasing the two plans separately.
The $19.99 Apple TV and Peacock Premium Plus bundle is the better option for viewers who want fewer ads, offline downloads of eligible Peacock content, and other Premium Plus features.
Is Apple TV Worth It in 2026?
Apple TV is worth considering if you want high-quality original programming, Formula 1, Major League Soccer, or Friday Night Baseball.
Its $12.99 monthly price includes ad-free on-demand originals, premium video and audio formats, and Family Sharing without requiring an upgrade.
Its biggest limitation is the size of its catalog. Apple TV offers 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 streaming 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: Compare the $14.99 and $19.99 Apple TV and Peacock bundles.
- You already use several Apple services: Compare the cost of Apple One with your existing subscriptions.
If only one Apple Original interests you, subscribing for a month, watching it, and then canceling may be more economical than keeping the service year-round.
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, Major League Soccer, and Friday Night Baseball makes it a more complete streaming service.
It still cannot match Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, or Prime Video for sheer catalog size. However, its straightforward pricing, ad-free on-demand originals, Family Sharing, and included premium video and audio quality give it a clear place in a crowded market.
The standalone plan is best for viewers who want Apple Originals and Apple’s included sports. The Peacock bundle offers better value for people who use both services, while Apple One is worth considering for households that already pay for several Apple subscriptions.
👉 The final verdict: Subscribe if at least two or three Apple Originals—or Apple’s live sports coverage—are already on your watchlist. If the smaller catalog does not justify keeping the service year-round, consider subscribing for a few months at a time.
👉 Ready to try Apple TV? Start with the free trial if you are eligible, explore the available shows and sports, and decide whether the service deserves a permanent place in your streaming lineup.
Thank you for visiting,
Mark
