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Short answer: The “one month free, then $9.99 a month” offer appears to have been a real U.S. promotion, but it is not Apple’s current public offer. As of August 18, 2026, Apple advertises seven days free, then $12.99 per month. Treat the $9.99 deal as expired unless Apple’s own checkout accepts your offer and clearly displays those terms.
What the advertised deal meant
The promotion offered one month of Apple TV+ at no charge, followed by automatic monthly billing at $9.99 unless the subscriber canceled. Historical terms reproduced by deal coverage reportedly gave it a January 7, 2026 expiration date. That is a reported historical deadline, not evidence that the offer can still be redeemed.
The terms were not universal: the promotion was reported as U.S.-only and limited to new and qualified returning subscribers. It also reportedly required an Apple Account with a payment method, was restricted to one offer per account and Family Sharing group, and could not be combined with another offer for the same service. “Qualified returning subscriber” does not mean every former subscriber; prior trials, promotions, Family Sharing, billing history, or the particular campaign could affect eligibility.
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Apple’s U.S. signup page currently lists seven days free, then $12.99 per month. Apple also advertises three months free with the purchase of an eligible Apple device, subject to eligibility and redemption conditions; the device promotion generally must be redeemed within 90 days. Check the live terms on Apple’s signup page and Apple’s service page, since offers and pricing can change.
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- 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.
Apple now presents the streaming service under the name Apple TV, while older promotions and references use Apple TV+. This is a branding change, not a separate subscription you need to find. The subscription is also distinct from the Apple TV 4K hardware device, which is not required to watch.
How to check whether your specific offer still works
If you have a code or a targeted offer, use only the redemption route supplied by Apple or the partner that issued it, and confirm that the final page is controlled by Apple. You can also subscribe in the Apple TV app by selecting the subscription option and following the prompts, as described in Apple’s subscription guide.
- Sign in with the Apple Account you intend to use. A promotion may be tied to that account.
- Enter the code if the official flow requests one.
- Before confirming, check that the screen explicitly says one month free, $9.99 per month afterward, and gives the date of the first paid renewal.
- Review any eligibility and payment terms, then save the confirmation email or note the renewal date.
If the page instead shows seven days free, $12.99 per month, or another price, that is the offer being presented to your account. Do not rely on an old article, search snippet, social post, or coupon page as proof that a code remains valid. A rejected code may be expired, region-locked, previously redeemed, limited to a particular campaign, or unavailable because of your account’s subscription or Family Sharing history. If Apple sent the offer directly and it fails, check your existing subscriptions and contact Apple Support rather than trying code-reseller sites.
Rank #2
- 4K 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
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design 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.
How to avoid an unwanted renewal
Apple subscriptions automatically renew until canceled. Apple advises canceling at least 24 hours before a free trial ends to avoid renewal, so do not wait until the last moment. The precise renewal date shown on your confirmation screen or account is more useful than estimating it from the day you signed up.
For a subscription billed by Apple on iPhone or iPad:
- Open Settings.
- Tap your name, then Subscriptions.
- Select Apple TV.
- Tap Cancel Subscription or, if you are still in the offer period, Cancel Free Trial, then confirm.
Labels can vary with your software version and subscription status. Apple’s cancellation guide has other device instructions. If the subscription was billed through Amazon, Google, Roku, a carrier, or another provider, cancel through that provider. The receipt can help identify who bills you. Deleting the Apple TV app or signing out of your Apple Account does not cancel a subscription, and canceling after a charge does not guarantee a refund; consult the billing provider’s refund process.
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- 4K High Dynamic Range (Dolby Vision and HDR10) for stunning picture quality
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- Voice search by asking the Siri Remote
If a promotion is rejected but you are charged, check the receipt and subscription details to see whether you accepted a different offer, used an account without trial eligibility, or subscribed through another billing provider. Contact the company that billed you about the charge and any refund request.
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What an Apple TV subscription includes—and what it does not
The subscription provides Apple Originals and selected included sports, with availability varying by location and season. Apple’s current U.S. listing references Friday Night Baseball, MLS, and Formula 1 coverage beginning in 2026. Do not assume those sports or rights are available in other countries.
The Apple TV app is a storefront and viewing hub as well as the place to watch the subscription. A title appearing in the app is not necessarily included: rentals, purchases, and third-party channels may cost extra. Check the title’s listing before paying.
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- 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.
You can watch through the Apple TV app on supported Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles, Android and Windows devices, or the web. Check Apple’s current device and service information before subscribing if you rely on an older TV or streaming box. Apple says a subscription can be shared with up to five additional family members through Family Sharing, though a particular promotion may impose separate eligibility limits.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is it worth subscribing?
- If Apple confirms the $9.99 offer: It would be below the current $12.99 public monthly price. It may be worthwhile if you want to watch several Apple Originals or included sports and are comfortable with the renewal price.
- If you only see the standard offer: The seven-day trial is shorter, so check the renewal date and decide what you want to watch before signing up.
- If you already pay for other Apple services: Compare Apple One, which includes Apple TV and starts at $19.95 per month according to Apple’s current page. It is only a better fit if you will use enough of the bundled services. Apple says a free trial is not paused if you start Apple One during it, so check how enrollment affects your offer first.
- If you are a student: Apple advertises Apple TV access with its Apple Music Student Plan; check eligibility and current terms on Apple’s service pages.
- If you want more than Apple Originals: Apple advertises a U.S. Apple TV and Peacock bundle starting at $14.99 per month, with a higher-priced ad-free Peacock option. Compare the live bundle terms and avoid paying for services you already receive elsewhere.
The standalone subscription is a narrower choice than a general-purpose streaming catalog or live-TV replacement. Decide based on the specific shows or sports you plan to watch, not on everything visible in the Apple TV app.
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Sources: Apple’s U.S. signup and pricing, Apple’s service details, Apple Media Services terms, and the historical promotion terms reproduced by secondary coverage.
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