DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix Now×
Skip to content
DocumentaryTube
Admit one · Blog

Apple TV’s 2026 Price Hike: Is the Streaming Service Still Worth It?

Apple TV’s U.S. monthly price rose to $14.99. Here’s what the subscription includes, how the annual plan stacks up, and how to judge its value for your viewing habits.
Opened Runtime5 min Written byDocumentaryTube Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Apple TV can still be worth $14.99 a month if you regularly watch its originals, included sports or share it with your household. It is harder to justify as a year-round subscription if you only want a handful of shows. In the U.S., Apple raised the monthly price from $12.99 on August 28, 2026. The best choice depends on what you expect to watch, whether an annual plan or bundle fits your budget, and how often you would otherwise leave the service idle.

What changed in Apple TV’s U.S. pricing?

Apple raised Apple TV’s U.S. monthly price to $14.99 and its annual price to $119 on August 28, 2026. New subscribers faced the higher price immediately; Apple said existing subscribers would receive about one month’s notice before the increased charge. MacRumors reported price changes in Brazil, Chile and Mexico as well, and no other affected countries at the time of its report. Prices vary by region, so subscribers outside the U.S. should check their local Apple checkout page. Apple and MacRumors pricing report

U.S. option Current price Previous price
Apple TV, monthly $14.99 per month $12.99 per month
Apple TV, annual $119 per year $99 per year
Apple One Individual $21.95 per month $19.95 per month

The monthly Apple TV increase is $2, about 15.4% over the previous $12.99 price. At the current monthly rate, 12 payments total $179.88. The $119 annual plan is $60.88 less than that, but requires paying upfront; it becomes cheaper than monthly billing once you expect to pay for at least eight months at these unchanged prices. These comparisons are arithmetic based on Apple’s listed prices, not a separate Apple statistic. Apple pricing

What does Apple TV include?

Original shows and films

Apple describes the service as a home for hundreds of exclusive, all-original shows and films, with new releases each week. The company says, “Apple Originals are always commercial-free.” Apple TV

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Apple TV 4K 32GB Streaming Media Player (2017), Model A1842, Siri Remote, HDMI, HDR10, Dolby Vision, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Black, MQD22LL/A (Renewed)
  • 4K High Dynamic Range (Dolby Vision and HDR10) for stunning picture quality
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound
  • A10X Fusion chip for ultra-fast graphics and performance
  • Voice search by asking the Siri Remote

That focus can appeal to viewers who follow Apple’s particular slate, but it is also a trade-off: Ars Technica characterizes Apple TV’s catalog as much smaller than those of many rival subscription services. That is a qualitative comparison, not a published count establishing a precise size difference. Ars Technica’s analysis

Included live sports

Apple lists Formula 1 races, MLS matches and Friday Night Baseball among the sports available with the subscription at no extra charge. Apple calls the service the new U.S. home of F1 and says its MLS coverage includes every club and match without blackouts. Rights and availability can change, and the details may differ outside the U.S.; check Apple’s current local listing before subscribing for a specific league or event. Apple TV Sports coverage details Apple’s sports announcement

Rank #2
Google TV Streamer 4K - Fast Streaming Entertainment on Your Device with Voice Search Remote - Watch Movies, Shows, Live, and Netflix in HDR - Smart Home Control - 32 GB of Storage - Hazel
  • The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
  • HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
  • See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
  • Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
  • Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound

Devices, downloads and household sharing

You can watch in the Apple TV app on supported Apple and Android devices, smart TVs, streaming devices and PCs, as well as online. A dedicated Apple TV 4K streaming device is optional, not a subscription requirement. Apple also supports downloads of Apple Originals to Apple devices for offline viewing. One subscription can be shared with up to six people, including the subscriber. Apple TV device and sharing details

Is Apple TV still worth it after the price increase?

There is no universal number of hours or shows that makes the subscription worthwhile. Instead, consider what you will actually watch during the months you plan to pay, whether included sports matter to you, and whether people in your household will use the account.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Roku Streaming Stick HD with Voice Remote
  • HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
  • Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
  • No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
  • Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
  • TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
  • More likely to be worth keeping: you have several upcoming Apple releases you want to watch, follow included sports regularly, or expect multiple household members to use it.
  • More likely to suit an occasional subscription: you want only one or two titles and do not plan to watch much between their releases. Subscribe for the period you need and cancel between viewing stretches if that better fits your habits.
  • Consider the annual plan: you expect to pay for at least eight months at the current U.S. monthly price and are comfortable paying $119 upfront.
  • Stick with monthly billing: your viewing plans are uncertain, or you would rather avoid the upfront annual payment.

Apple TV is a monthly subscription, and cancellation and renewal details are handled through account subscription settings. Check your account for the renewal date and cancellation deadline rather than assuming when billing will stop. Apple TV subscription information

Could a trial, student plan or Apple One lower your cost?

New-subscriber and device offers

Apple’s U.S. page lists a seven-day trial for new subscribers and an offer of three months with a qualifying Apple device when redeemed within 90 days. It also lists Apple TV access through the Apple Music Student Plan. Eligibility and terms can vary, so confirm the offer at checkout and note when a trial converts to paid service. Apple TV offers Apple Music Student Plan

Rank #4
Sale
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus with AI-powered Fire TV Search, Wi-Fi 6, stream hundreds of thousands of movies and shows, free & live TV, find shows faster with Alexa+
  • Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance optimized for 4K TVs.
  • The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
  • Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
  • Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
  • Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.

Apple One bundles

Apple currently lists Apple One at $21.95 per month for Individual, $27.95 for Family and $39.95 for Premier. The bundles include Apple TV alongside other Apple services, such as Apple Music, Apple Arcade and iCloud+. Apple says the plans offer savings compared with paying separately for included services, but the bundle only saves your household money if you would otherwise pay for services it contains. Apple One plans

Apple says Apple TV and Apple Arcade include Family Sharing even with the Individual plan; Family and Premier can be shared with up to five other people. Family and Premier prices did not change on August 28, 2026, according to reporting on that increase; they had risen in July. Apple One pricing report Apple One sharing details

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Apple 2021 Apple TV 4K 32GB - Black (2nd generation) (Renewed)
  • Dolby Atmos for immersive, room-filling sound - 4K High Frame Rate HDR with Dolby Vision for fluid, crisp video
  • A12 Bionic chip gives a big boost to audio, video, and graphics, for even better game and app experiences than ever before
  • The new Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad - Use AirPlay to share photos, videos, and more from your device on your TV
  • Apple Original shows and movies from Apple TV+ - Watch the latest hits from Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and more
  • More ways to enjoy your TV with Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, and Apple Music - Private listening using up to two sets of AirPods
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What to weigh against other streaming services

Compare more than the monthly price. Think about the shows and release cadence you want, the sports actually available in your region, how many people will use the subscription, and whether your devices support the Apple TV app. Apple’s concentration on originals and its relatively smaller catalog, as characterized by Ars Technica, may be appealing if those specific titles are your priority, but less compelling if you want a broad library to browse. Apple TV features Ars Technica’s catalog analysis

Ars Technica also notes that Apple has not disclosed Apple TV’s streaming profitability. A loss figure discussed in its article was attributed to an earlier report citing anonymous sources, not confirmed by Apple; it does not establish whether the service is worth its price to an individual subscriber. Ars Technica’s analysis

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Screening Room

  1. The Saltmen of TibetAdmit one · VideosThe Saltmen of TibetOpened07 OCT 2026Runtime3 min
  2. 50 Shades of Sasha GreyAdmit one · Lifestyle50 Shades of Sasha GreyOpened07 OCT 2026Runtime1 min
  3. New Zealand, Nature & CultureAdmit one · CultureNew Zealand, Nature & CultureOpened07 OCT 2026Runtime3 min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.