What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Apple TV, formerly branded Apple TV+, is not a permanently free streaming service. In the United States, Apple currently advertises a seven-day trial followed by $12.99 per month for eligible customers. You can also watch a limited, changing selection through Apple’s Free Episodes collection, while eligible Apple hardware, student, and Apple One offers may provide longer or bundled access.
This guide reflects Apple’s U.S. pages checked in August 2026. Confirm the price, eligibility, renewal date, and available content on your own account before accepting an offer.
Apple TV, Apple TV+, and the Apple TV app are different things
Apple TV is Apple’s current name for its subscription streaming service, which many readers still call Apple TV+. The Apple TV app is the application and storefront where you may also find rentals, purchases, third-party channels, and connected services. Apple TV 4K is Apple’s streaming hardware.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchA subscription to Apple TV does not automatically include movies you can rent or buy, or third-party channels listed in the app. Apple explains these distinctions in its Apple TV app overview.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
How the standard free trial works
Apple’s current U.S. offer is:
- Seven days free, if your Apple Account is eligible.
- $12.99 per month afterward on the U.S. offer page checked in August 2026.
- A payment method and Apple Account are generally required.
- The trial normally converts to a paid subscription unless you cancel.
Eligibility is account-specific. A previous trial, promotion, region, device, or existing subscription may mean that the seven-day offer does not appear. The price shown at checkout takes priority over a general article price because Apple can change prices, taxes, and promotions.
Before confirming, record the displayed renewal date. Apple’s current offer details are available at Apple’s official Apple TV offer page.
How to start the Apple TV trial
On iPhone or iPad
- Open the Apple TV app.
- Tap Apple TV+ or the Apple TV subscription area.
- Tap the subscription button.
- Review the free-trial duration, renewal date, and billing price.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to confirm.
Apple’s documented instructions are in its iPhone subscription guide. Labels can vary by operating-system version and region.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteOn the web, smart TV, streaming device, or console
- Open the Apple TV app or visit tv.apple.com.
- Sign in with your Apple Account.
- Select the Apple TV subscription offer.
- Check the displayed trial and renewal details.
- Confirm the subscription.
Some devices can play an existing subscription but do not support starting or managing purchases inside the app. In that case, use an Apple device or the web.
How to cancel before you are charged
On an iPhone or iPad, Apple’s current path is:
- Open the Apple TV app.
- Tap your picture or initials in the upper-right corner.
- Tap Manage Subscriptions.
- Select Apple TV.
- Follow the cancellation instructions.
Cancel as soon as you decide not to continue rather than waiting until the final hours. Then verify that:
- the subscription status says it is canceled;
- the displayed renewal or expiration date is what you expect; and
- you received a confirmation email or other cancellation confirmation.
If you started the subscription through a different billing provider, cancel it through that provider. Do not assume that deleting the Apple TV app cancels billing. Apple’s account screen controls the account-specific result, including what access remains after cancellation.
What can you watch free without subscribing?
Apple’s Free Episodes collection
Apple maintains an official U.S. Free Episodes collection labeled “Watch now without a subscription.” It is a limited promotional selection, not a free version of the entire catalog.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #2
- 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
When Apple’s collection was checked, examples included Cape Fear season 1, episode 1 and Silo season 1, episode 1. These examples are time-sensitive. Use the live collection rather than relying on a fixed list, because Apple can change the selection and availability by country.
Occasional free premieres
Apple’s homepage may also display a Watch Premieres for Free area. Treat this as a temporary promotional feature, not a guaranteed permanent benefit. Check Apple’s current homepage for what is available.
What does not count as free
- A trailer or preview.
- A title page that you can browse but cannot play.
- A movie offered for rent or purchase.
- A third-party channel shown inside the Apple TV app.
- A sports listing that requires an Apple TV subscription.
- A locked title visible in search results.
Visibility in the app does not prove that playback is included. Apple says rentals, purchases, and third-party subscription services are separate from the Apple TV subscription.
Other legitimate ways to get Apple TV included
Eligible Apple TV 4K purchase
Apple says an eligible Apple TV 4K purchase may include three months of Apple TV free. This is not guaranteed with every purchase. Eligibility, claiming deadlines, Apple Account requirements, and restrictions on combining promotions apply.
After setting up the device, look for the offer in the Apple TV app and check the terms at checkout. Hardware promotions have historically required claiming the offer within a limited period after setup. Apple’s promotion terms illustrate the type of conditions that may apply; use the terms attached to your specific purchase as the authority.
Buying an Apple TV 4K solely to obtain free streaming is usually poor value unless you also want the device.
Apple Music Student Plan
Apple identifies the Apple Music Student Plan as including access to Apple TV. This is not free in the literal sense: it is part of a paid student subscription and requires student verification. It can make sense if you also want Apple Music; compare the current student-plan price with the standalone Apple TV price before signing up.
Rank #3
- 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.
Check Apple’s current student-plan page for eligibility and pricing.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Apple One
Apple TV is included in Apple One. The bundle is most useful for people already paying for several included Apple services, such as Apple Music, iCloud+, or Apple Arcade, or for households using Family Sharing. Compare the total Apple One price with the services you would otherwise buy separately.
Apple One is usually a poor fit if Apple TV is the only service you want. Tier availability and pricing vary by region; see Apple One’s current page.
Family Sharing
Apple says an Apple TV subscription can be shared with up to five other family members through Family Sharing. This is different from sharing one Apple Account password. The family organizer’s settings, region, and subscription status affect access.
If someone already has an individual subscription and joins a family group that provides Apple TV, Apple says the individual subscription is not renewed on the next billing date and the group subscription is used.
Recommended Free Tools
What an Apple TV subscription includes
The subscription provides access to Apple Originals and the content covered by Apple’s current offering. In the United States, Apple’s 2026 pages state that subscribers can watch:
- Friday Night Baseball doubleheaders during the regular season;
- every MLS match in 2026 under the listed Apple TV offering; and
- Formula 1 practice, qualifying, and races in the United States beginning in 2026.
These are included with the subscription, not permanently free content. Sports rights and availability are region-specific and can change. Do not generalize the U.S. 2026 lineup to other countries.
Rank #4
- 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.
Supported devices and regions
Apple lists Apple TV access through iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows, Apple Vision Pro, Android, web browsers, Apple TV hardware, smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles, some cable boxes, and AirPlay-enabled televisions.
Support is not identical across devices. Some platforms cannot initiate purchases, downloads, or subscriptions inside the app. Content, features, prices, sports rights, channels, and free episodes can vary by country, region, device, and operating-system version. Check Apple’s app and availability information for your setup.
Which access route is cheapest?
| Your situation | Most sensible route |
|---|---|
| You only want to sample Apple Originals | Use the Free Episodes collection. |
| You want to binge one show | Use the seven-day trial if eligible, then cancel promptly if you do not want renewal. |
| You are buying an Apple TV 4K anyway | Check whether the purchase offers three months of Apple TV. |
| You already pay for multiple Apple services | Compare Apple One against separate subscriptions. |
| You are an eligible student and want Apple Music | Compare the student plan with buying both services separately. |
| You mainly want sports | Confirm that your country and desired league are covered before subscribing. |
The free collection is suitable for sampling but cannot replace full-season access. A hardware purchase is sensible for the hardware, not merely for the promotional months. Bundles save money only when you would actually use the other included services.
Troubleshooting common offer problems
The trial does not appear
Possible reasons include previous use of a trial, an ineligible Apple Account, an offer tied to another account, an unsupported region or device, or an expired hardware promotion. Sign in with the Apple Account associated with the purchase, review the offer screen and terms, and contact Apple Support if an eligible hardware promotion is missing.
The price is not $12.99
The $12.99 figure applies to the U.S. page checked in August 2026. A different price may reflect your country, taxes, a bundle, a student or family plan, a promotion, or a later price change. Use the checkout amount displayed for your account.
You subscribed to a channel by mistake
A channel trial is separate from the Apple TV trial. Subscribing to a third-party channel does not necessarily unlock Apple Originals, and an Apple TV subscription does not automatically include that channel. Manage each subscription separately.
You are outside the United States
Apple TV pricing, trial availability, sports rights, channels, and free episodes vary internationally. The figures and sports examples in this guide are specifically for the United States and should not be treated as worldwide terms.
Quick Recap
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.
