Everything You Need To Know About Apple’s New Streaming Service
Top Deals On Great Products
Picked by Techconnect’s Editors
After more than two years of rumor, speculation, and hype, Apple TV+ has finally arrived.
Apples streaming video service is now available for $5 per month, but if you buy a new Apple device, you can get the first year for free. At present, Apple TV+ consists of eight original series and one documentary movieall ad-free and exclusive to the servicewith Apple promising to add more movies and shows over time.
Although weve been hearing about Apple TV and its lineup of original programming for some time, many of the finer details are only coming out now. Before you start binging on shows like For All Mankind and The Morning Show, heres what you need to know:
Apple TV Plus Vs The Competition
Apple TV Plus enters into an increasingly crowded online streaming landscape. This includes the leader in the industry, Netflix, which has the advantage of having years of experience and an impressive catalog of both original and licensed content on offer.
While the service cant compare to Netflix on the sheer volume of content, it is significantly cheaper. The $4.99 subscription includes 4K and up to six simultaneous streams, while youll have to pay a full $18 a month for 4K content and four simultaneous streams on Netflix.
Read the full comparison: Netflix vs Apple TV Plus
is also a major Apple TV Plus competitor. It has worldwide reach as well, along with lots of great original shows that have won several Emmy awards. Its also typically bundled with , which is an incredibly popular service for online shoppers. It even offers 4K streaming for supported content, making it a solid alternative to Apple TV Plus.
For American users, Hulu can also be a solid alternative to fill your streaming needs. The base plan is slightly more expensive at $5.99 a month, but it includes ads. Youll have to bump that all the way up to $11.99 to get ad-free streams. One of the biggest advantages of Hulu is that its frequently bundled with other services, like the very attractive Disney Plus-Hulu-ESPN Plus bundle at $12.99 a month.
Q:How many people can stream on Apple TV Plus at the same time?A: Up to six people can stream simultaneously.
Family Sharing Good Password Sharing Bad
Apple TV+ allows for six simultaneous streams, which is a pretty generous limit, but the service inherently protects against password sharing by making you sign in with an Apple ID. Because anyone who has your Apple ID login would also be able to access your iCloud, sharing with friends and extended family members would be ill-advised.
That said, Apple TV+ does support Family Sharing, allowing up to six people in a household to use the service with their own Apple IDs. Apple has instructions on setting up Family Sharing here.
Also Check: Can You Watch Local TV On Apple TV
Best Apple TV Plus Movies
Apple TV Plus doesnt have as many movies as its competitors, but it does have a respectable selection of original films to stream right away. Check out our list of the best Apple TV Plus movies for trailers and more, but heres a brief list of what you can expect on the platform:
- The Banker A drama inspired by true events about two black businessmen in the 1950s who find creative ways to combat racism in pursuit of the American dream. It stars Samuel L. Jackson and Anthony Mackie.
- Beastie Boys Story A Spike Jonze documentary about the eponymous hip hop groups rise to fame.
- Hala A coming-of-age drama about a Pakistani-American teenager who struggles to balance her cultural and religious heritage with her American friends and desire to fit in.
- Greyhound A WW2 drama starring and written by Tom Hanks about a navy captain who leads a fleet of ships across the U-Boat-infested waters of the Atlantic.
How Do You Get Apple TV+ On Your Device
To access Apple TV+, you need the Apple TV app, which comes installed on Apple devices but can be downloaded to other supporting devices, and an Apple ID account. If you have a smart TV or streaming device, here’s what to do:
If you don’t have an Apple ID, learn how to create an Apple ID here.
On your smart TV or streaming device, download the Apple TV app from the app store on your device.
After the Apple TV app is installed, launch the app and select Start Watching> Settings> Accounts> Sign In.
There are two ways to sign in to your Apple ID:
After you sign in to your Apple ID, follow any remaining on-screen prompts and you are ready to start watching.
You May Like: Allshare Cast iPhone To Samsung TV
Where To Watch Apple TV Plus
Once you have signed up for the free trial you can then start watching Apple TV Plus. The app is available on several non-Apple devices including Roku. We showed you how to use the Apple TV app on Roku.
You can also download the app for Fire TV. Or ask your Alexa device with your voice: Alexa, find the Apple TV app.
Its also worth noting that you can get the Apple TV app and stream Apple TV Plus via select Samsung and LG Smart TVs, too.
In addition, you can stream Apple TV Plus via a web browser as well. On your favorite laptop or desktop computer launch your browser of choice and head to and there you can start streaming the service after you log into your account.
Not only do you have access to Apple TV Plus through the app but you also have access to movies and shows youve purchased through the interface.
1 Comment
Can i watch Apple TV on my tv even though its not on the list of acceptable tvs ? Is there just a way to screen-share just from my apple i pad?
Lightning Digital Av Adapter
This is probably the simplest way to mirror your iPhone to a smart TV. However, its not your cheapest option.
You will need to purchase the appropriate Lightning Digital AV Adapter, as well as an HDMI cable. Once youve acquired the necessary accessories, youll be able to stream movies and TV shows from your iPhone in no time. Heres how:
The Lightning Digital AV Adapter usually comes with an additional slot that you can use to power your iPhone while mirroring its content. As you can see, this method is quite a time-saver. Its only downside is that isnt free, but its still much cheaper than buying an Apple TV.
Also Check: What Do I Need To Get Local Channels Without Cable
My Favorite Indoor Antennas
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This site is not owned by any retailer or manufacturer. This is an independent review site that receives compensation from the retailer or manufacturer when you purchase through the affiliate links on this site. I personally test and/or research each product or service before endorsing it.
Continue Watching Find Movies And TV Shows And Add Channels In The Watch Now Tab
When you go to the Watch Now tab, you can pick up watching where you left off in the Up Next section. You can also add premium channels or access streaming apps in the Watch Now tab.
If you see Movies, TV Shows, Sports, and Kids at the top of the screen, you can select one to find something to watch:
- In Movies and TV Shows, you can browse titles, rent movies, buy movies and TV shows, and see recommendations.
- If Sports is available in your region, you can watch live coverage, browse by your favorite sport, or even select your favorite teams so you never miss a game.
- In Kids, you can browse titles, rent movies, buy movies and TV shows, and see recommendations based on age range and more.
You May Like: How To Mirror iPhone To Chromecast Without Wifi
What Shows And Movies Are Available Right Now
Apple TV+ is focusing on a new library of exclusive content rather than buying access to a big back-catalog of TV shows or movies, so theres not as much available as on some other services. That said, the content is finally starting to build up.
We maintain a detailed list of all the currently-available content Apple TV+.
Use Apple TV App In Any Device
Use the Apple TV+ on the Apple TV app, that will be already available on Apple TV, iPad and Mac or simply watch on your smart TV, gaming console or streaming devices.
Now, scroll from the top to end for all the accessible TV shows and choose the show youd like to watch. You can be able to rent or buy your favorite TV shows just like the way you have always done for iTunes store.
Read Also: Can You Get Cable Channels Without Cable
At 99 Per Month Apple TV+ Launches Today Worldwide Turns Out Some Competitors Have Your Back
Social media is abuzz with the new content from Apple TV+ which was announced at CEO Tim Cooks September keynote at the Steve Jobs Theatre in California.
Its a pretty deal at just 99 a month. Apple has stated that Apple TV+ will be available on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, Apple TV , iPod touch and Mac. To subscribe to Apple TV+, customers must update to iOS 12.3 or later, tvOS 12.3 or later and macOS Catalina. But you do get to start with a seven-day free trial.
Apple isnt without its remarkable strategies, of course. At the keynote, Tim Cook also announced that customers who purchase any new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch starting September 10 can enjoy one year of Apple TV+ for free. Plus, beginning November 1, customers can initiate the one-year free offer in the Apple TV app on the device running the latest software.
Heres the catch: customers have three months after device activation to claim the offer, or if the device was purchased and activated before the launch of Apple TV+, they will have three months starting November 1.
How Do I Get Appletv+ On My Roku TV
Roku users can subscribe to Apple TV+ right in the Apple TV app on their Roku devices. Theres also an option for a seven-day free trial if you like. First you need to add the channel.
To add the channel, youll first want to ensure your Roku device is compatible with the Apple TV update. To check, hit up this link here. Next, make sure the software on your Roku TV or device is up to date. Heres how to check that:
Next youll find and add the channel:
Once installed, the Apple TV channel will appear in the list of channels under Home on the main screen of your Roku device.
You can also add the channel from your Roku account on a web browser, or from the Roku mobile app. For more help, read the detailed article about adding channels to your Roku device that way.
Having Apple TV on your Roku streamer or television can widen the content you have access to even more now than ever before, making it even easier to get access to every single show and movie you could want.
Read Also: How To Add Apps To Philips Smart TV
How To Play Itunes Movies On TV From Usb Drive
What you need:Mac or WindowsOndesoft iTunes DRM Media ConverterMost TV models have USB port for you to play local content. However, even though you have downloaded iTunes movies and save them to USB drive, you still can’t play them on TV. This is because iTunes movies are DRM protected. To play them freely, you need toremove DRM from iTunes moviesandconvert M4V to DRM-free MP4. To remove iTunes DRM, you need the professionaliTunes Movie DRM removal tool – Ondesoft iTunes DRM Media Converter.By removing DRM from iTunes movies, you can not only play them on TV, but alsoAndroid phones and tablets, Windows phones, MP4 players, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, or any computer, iPhone, iPad without authorization since you can only authorize 10 devices including no more than 5 computers with one Apple ID.
Reset The Apple TV App To Its Original Settings
This will sign you out of your account on that device and remove your personal information. If you’re also signed in to the Apple Music app on your smart TV or streaming device, the Apple Music app will also be reset to its original settings and all of your personal information will be removed.
Recommended Reading: How To Add Apps To Philips Smart TV
If You Could Only Pick One Which Streaming Service Would You Choose
Apple has always kept user numbers close to the chest, so its difficult to tell just how successful Apple TV Plus has been with everyday users. Complicating matters further, most current Apple TV Plus subscribers are still on their free year. This means that subscriber numbers could tank when the first wave of free trials expires.
In May of 2020, we asked our own readers at Android Authority which streaming service they would pick if they could only pick one, and Apple TV Plus captured less than 1% of the vote . Most users commented that the library was simply too small, although it might fare better as a second or third subscription for those who cant get enough content.
Read also: We asked, you told us: Netflix wins big, Apple TV Plus falls short
There are, of course, other ways to gauge interest in the service. One is Google Trends, which tracks search volume for certain keywords. Apple TV Plus spiked when it was first announced, then again when the service launched. Its done nothing but stagnate since then, even in the face of a global pandemic where everyone is at home streaming media.
Compared to another service that launched around the same time Disney Plus Apple TV plus is barely a blip on the radar. Its failed to grab public attention, either due to a lack of compelling material on the platform or a lack of a big marketing push from Apple.
Apple TV 4k Vs Apple TV 4k
Apple just updated the Apple TV 4K so now you might see 2017 and 2021 models. So, what’s the difference? And if you have a 2017 model, is it worth upgrading to a 2021 model?
The Apple TV 4K is very similar to the older version. In fact, they look identical and have most of the same capabilities, including access to Apple Arcade and Fitness+, and support for immersive video and audio technologies, such as 4K HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
The difference is that Apple TV 4K has a faster processor , as well support for HDMI 2.1 and Wi-Fi 6. This also allows the Apple TV 4K to support 4K TVs with higher frame rates : 4K at up to 60fps. Basically, if you’ve bought a new 4K TV within the last year or two, the Apple TV 4K will likely be able to get the most out of it.
Maybe the most obvious difference is that the Apple TV 4K comes with redesigned Siri Remote. It scrapes the old touchpad in favor of a more traditional D-pad controller, and it has dedicated buttons for power and Siri. Also, it’s a little thicker, more ergonomic and not as symmetrical .
If you have an older Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD, you can purchase the new Siri Remote for $59. If you buy any new Apple TV from Apple, you’ll get the new Siri Remote .
Recommended Reading: How To Get Cbs All Access On Lg Smart TV