Apple TV+ for $2: bundles, trials, and hidden savings
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV+ subscribers can add Peacock for just $2/month through a new NBCUniversal partnership
- Students pay $5.99/month for both Apple TV+ and Apple Music combined
- New Apple device purchases include three free months of Apple TV+
Apple TV+ now costs $12.99 per month, up from $9.99 last year. That still undercuts Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu, all of which charge between $17 and $20 for ad-free tiers. But the real value sits in Apple's bundle deals, most of which the company barely advertises.
The standout: Apple partnered with NBCUniversal to let existing Apple TV+ subscribers add Peacock for $2. That brings your total to $14.99 for two services. Throw in another $5 for ad-free Amazon Prime Video, and you're paying roughly what Netflix charges for one subscription.
How to get Apple TV+ free or discounted
Apple offers several paths to free access. Buy any new iPhone, MacBook, iPad, Apple Watch, or Apple TV 4K, and you get three months free. The standard free trial for everyone else lasts seven days.
Students get the best deal. The Student Plan bundles Apple TV+ and Apple Music for $5.99 per month, and the trial extends to a full month instead of seven days. You'll need to verify enrollment through UNiDAYS or your institution.
Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders receive complimentary Apple TV+ and Apple Music. T-Mobile customers can add the streaming service for $3 per month. Xfinity subscribers have access to various bundles grouping Apple TV+ with HBO, Netflix, Peacock, and Hulu.
Is Apple One worth the bundle?
For people already paying for multiple Apple services, Apple One makes financial sense. The base tier costs $19.95 per month and includes Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and 50GB of iCloud storage. Apple claims you save $12 monthly compared to buying each separately.
The Family plan runs $25.95 per month. It covers up to five additional family members and bumps iCloud storage to 200GB. The Premier tier at $37.95 adds Fitness+, News+, and 2TB of cloud storage.
Apple offers a 30-day free trial for Apple One, longer than the standard seven-day trial for the standalone streaming service. If you're testing the waters, start there.
Family Sharing: more useful than password sharing
Apple TV+ lets you share access with up to five family members through Family Sharing. Unlike texting someone your password, this system works across all Apple services. Shared access extends to apps, movies, audiobooks, and iCloud storage.
One catch: the account holder pays for any purchases family members make. Apple's parental controls let you require approval before charges go through, but you'll want to set that up before adding your cousin with the obscure anime habit.
Live sports streaming on Apple TV+
Apple has been building out its sports offerings. The platform now streams Formula 1 coverage, part of Apple's broader push beyond scripted content.
Major League Soccer games air exclusively on Apple TV+, and Major League Baseball's Friday Night Baseball remains part of the lineup. These events are included in your subscription, no additional sports package required.
Apple TV+ catalog: quality over quantity
Apple's streaming library remains smaller than Netflix or Disney+. That's intentional. The company focuses on original prestige productions rather than licensing back catalogs.
Current hits include Severance, Shrinking, and the horror series Widow's Bay. Apple TV+ took home 12 Emmy awards in 2023 from 72 nominations, and CODA won Best Picture at the 2022 Oscars. The strategy bets on fewer shows with higher production value.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Apple TV+ cost per month?
Apple TV+ costs $12.99 per month for the standalone subscription. Students pay $5.99 for a bundle that includes Apple Music.
Can I get Apple TV+ for free?
Yes. New Apple device purchases include three months free. Standard users get a seven-day trial. Apple One offers a 30-day trial.
How many people can share an Apple TV+ subscription?
Up to six people total. The account holder plus five family members through Apple's Family Sharing feature.
What's included in the Apple TV+ Peacock bundle?
Apple TV+ subscribers can add Peacock for $2 per month, bringing the total to $14.99 for both ad-free services.
Does Apple TV+ include live sports?
Yes. MLS games stream exclusively on Apple TV+, along with MLB's Friday Night Baseball and Formula 1 coverage.
Logicity's Take
Apple's bundle strategy quietly makes it the cheapest path to multiple streaming services. The Peacock partnership undercuts competitors who charge $17-20 for a single ad-free tier. But the real play here is lock-in: once you're on Apple One with family members sharing purchases, switching costs climb. Apple doesn't need the biggest catalog when it owns the subscription infrastructure.
More ways to cut software costs
Apple device deals that include free Apple TV+ trials
Need Help Implementing This?
Want to optimize your streaming subscriptions for your household or small business? Reach out to Logicity's team for personalized recommendations on bundling services and managing shared accounts.
Source: Engadget
Huma Shazia
Senior AI & Tech Writer
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