What to know about Apple TV+
This fall, Apple is launching its own streaming service, Apple TV +, which will compete with the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu and the new Disney+.
When Apple TV+ debuts globally on Nov. 1, subscribers will get access to nine new original series, including the highly-anticipated drama The Morning Show starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.
The on-demand service will be available in more than 100 countries and will not feature any commercials.
Here’s a rundown of everything you need to know about Apple TV+:
How much does Apple TV+ cost?
The service will cost $4.99 a month.
Customers can get a free year of Apple TV+ with the purchase any new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod Touch. They have three months after device activation to claim the offer. If the device was purchased and activated before the launch of Apple TV+, they will have three months starting Nov. 1.
What can I watch on Apple TV+?
The service will launch on Nov. 1 with nine shows:
See (a post-apocalyptic drama starring Jason Momoa)
Dickinson (a dramedy about the famous poet)
For All Mankind (a space drama from Battlestar Galactica showrunner Ronald D. Moore)
Helpsters (a children’s show from Sesame Workshop)
Snoopy in Space (a new Peanuts original)
Ghostwriter (a reimagining of the ‘90s kids mystery series)
The Elephant Queen (nature documentary)
Oprah's Book Club (hosted by Winfrey)
Most series will debut with three episodes, then roll out a new episode each week. In some cases, full seasons will be available to binge all at once.
New series and movies will hit the service every month. Servant, a thriller from M. Night Shyamalan, is set to premiere Nov. 28. Also in the works: the true crime drama Truth Be Told; Hala, a coming-of-age film about a Muslim teen; and the movie The Banker, starring Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson as black entrepreneurs in the 1950s.
And there are over a dozen more projects in development involving big names like Steven Spielberg, J.J. Abrams, Chris Evans and Jennifer Garner.
What else is there?
Unlike Disney+, the new streaming service debuting Nov. 12, Apple TV+ will not offer a back catalog of movies and TV shows as part of its subscription.
How do I access Apple TV+?
Subscribers can watch through the Apple TV app, available on smart TVs, Roku and Fire TV.
Apple retooled the Apple TV app so that it bundles existing streaming services like Hulu and Amazon Prime (but not Netflix) as well as pay TV offerings like Charter Spectrum and DIRECTV NOW. The new app will compile suggestions for shows and movies from over 150 streaming apps.
Can I download shows?
Yes, Apple TV+ will allow subscribers to download content to view offline (similar to Netflix).
