Apple’s new venture — Apple TV+ is another example of how Apple is turning its focus onto services while keeping its grip on the hardware.
To start watching Apple TV+, open the Apple TV app on a compatible device. Go to the Watch Now tab or search for AppleTV+, start your trial, and sign in with your Apple ID. Confirm your billing information, agree to the terms, and start watching Apple TV+ content! It’s that easy.
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At the iPhone announcement event, Apple first took to the stage to introduce pricing for the new streaming services. At just $4.99 per month, with some big exclusive shows, TV+ could be taking on Netflix and Hulu in no time.
How to get Apple TV+ free for one year
But Apple didn’t stop at just announcing a new show and the pricing. The company also shared a free one-year promotion that started on November 1st, the Apple TV+’s launch date.
To see the offer appear in your TV App, sign in with your Apple ID on that new device.
Just note that you must claim your free Apple TV+ offer in the Apple TV app within 3 months after first setting up your new device
- For folks that purchased a new device before the launch of Apple TV+ on November 1, you have 3 months starting November 1 to redeem your free offer–so February 1st, 2020 is your hard deadline to sign up!
Which Apple devices are eligible?
This promotion provides a one-year free subscription trial for Apple TV+ for just about any new Apple device purchased after September 10th. And no, you won’t have to just buy the device from Apple, as select authorized resellers are also included in the promotion.
As for what devices are eligible for this promotion? The list is pretty long, so we’ll make it short and sweet.
- Any new iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV, or Mac capable of running the latest iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, or macOS.
- It must be purchased after September 10th from Apple or an Apple authorized reseller.
This is a fantastic way to get more users on board with this new streaming service. Including an entire year, which equates to almost $60, is an amazing promotion.
Signed up for your apple tv+ subscription? How to watch it on your TV
To actually watch your Apple TV Plus’ content on your TV, you need:
- Hardware that can access Apple’s TV app (such as an Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Firestick or a compatible smart TV)
- Tap each link to learn which models support Apple’s TV app: Samsung smart TVs, Roku streaming devices, and Amazon Fire TV devices
- Activate your Apple TV+ subscription
How to activate the Apple TV+ Free 1 year subscription
Here are the steps you will need to take to activate your free year of the streaming service:
- Turn on your compatible Apple device, and sign in with your Apple ID.
- Ensure you have the latest update installed.
- Open the Apple TV app.
- The offer should immediately present itself.
- Tap “Enjoy 1 Year Free” and enter your Apple ID password.
You may be asked to confirm your billing information or add a new payment method. Once completed, your Apple TV+ subscription will be available and you can stream away.
In the event that the promotion notification does not appear, open the Apple TV app. Then, scroll down to the Watch Now section and wait until the notification appears.
Are there any catches?
There are no major catches when signing up for Apple TV+. There are a few caveats, however:
- This offer is only good for one Apple ID, and only one offer per family if you are a part of the Family Sharing group.
- Up to 6 family members can share the Apple TV+ subscription through Family Sharing.
- You have three months after November 1st to sign up for Apple TV+ for free, provided you purchased a new device after September 10th.
- If you’ve purchased your new device before the launch of Apple TV+ on November 1, you will have 3 months starting November 1 to redeem.
- After the 1-year free trial has expired, you will be billed at $4.99 per month until you cancel the subscription.
- The offer is only available for a limited time.
We are not sure exactly how long Apple will be running the promotion. But we will be sure to let everyone know once Apple reveals that information.
Conclusion
There is a lot of promise in what Apple TV+ can bring to the streaming service wars. With big names like Steven Spielberg and Oprah on board, along with A-list actors, we are excited to see what’s to come.
Let us know if you plan on signing up for TV+, or if you are going to opt for something like Disney+ when it launches.
Andrew is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US.
He has written for a variety of sites over the years, including iMore, Android Central, Phandroid, and a few others. Now, he spends his days working for an HVAC company, while moonlighting as a freelance writer at night.
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Why is Apple Watch not included in this promotion? It certainly costs more than many of your included products.
Hi Bill,
According to Apple “Any new iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV, or Mac capable of running the latest iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, or macOS purchased after September 10, 2019, from Apple or an Apple authorized reseller, is eligible.”
You are correct that an Apple Watch costs more than some iPads, many iPods, and Apple TVs. We think the reasoning behind this is that you cannot directly view AppleTV+ content on an Apple Watch vs. those products
Hello,
I bought a new Apple TV device on Nov 29, but the only option i get is for a 1 Week Free Trial. How can i activate the 1 Year Free offer?
Hi Kevin,
Try signing out of your Apple ID and sign back in again, then make sure it’s running the latest tvOS version via Settings > System > Software Updates and Select Update Software.
If that didn’t work, on a computer go to Apple’s website for Apple TV and log in with your Apple ID. See if you get that 1-year free trial offer from there. Then on your AppleTV, sign out and sign in again.
I bought a new ipad last week and signed up for Apple TV+ free for the first year promo. However when I find something in the app, I seem to be able to either rent it or buy it. How do I actually watch it for free?
Hi D,
Do you see this message when accessing the AppleTV+ content (shows like See or The Morning Show)? Apple TV+ allows free access to only Apple’s original content–so it’s quite unlike Netflix and Hulu in that way. It does NOT include free access to any movies, tv shows, and other content from non-Apple companies.
Hello, I just bought a new IPhone from Apple and received their one year free subscription service. It also allows family sharing but I haven’t found how I can share it with my immediate family in KC when I live in Cleveland, Ohio. Any advice or where I can find same would be appreciated.
Best regards,
Vince Vavpot
Hi Vince,
This is a problem we haven’t heard of before with other family sharing services. You must first activate your AppleTV+ subscription, only then will it appear as a shareable service (provided you are currently a part of a family sharing plan.)
To activate it, open the TV app on your new iPhone
Tap watch now
Tap the banner to “enjoy 1 year free”
Next, are you the family organizer or a listed parent? You must be listed as the family organizer or parent for this content to be shared.
And within your family sharing group–are you able to successfully share other kinds of content, like apps, music, and any other purchases?
Go to the Settings app > Your Apple ID > tap Family Sharing
In the Family Sharing section, you should see a list of all possible shareable services
Scroll down and tap TV Channels
You should then see a list of TV subscriptions or be prompted to share channels with your family
Check the box to verify you want to share it
Definitely interested in the Apple TV as it’s using good actors etc I’m a heavy Netflix and amazon user so it’ll be good to see how it compares. Doesn’t seem I’m able to get the 12 months trial though
I have been able to see five or so shows and have had Appletv+ since day one! Usually have to watch multiple times for these as they just shut down midway through Usually either it won’t start or
I get sound but no picture. I cannot find a Support button or anywhere to contact to get help or another free week and refunds for my two months on my credit card. Please help!
Hi Elizabeth,
Well, that’s terrible! We are very sorry your Apple TV+ subscription isn’t working as it should.
Try going to your Audio Settings on the Apple TV and turn off Dolby–see if that makes a difference and if you can now hear your programming with AppleTV+.
We suggest you contact Apple Support directly or use Apple’s website to report a problem.
I purchased new iPad received Apple TV+. I have a samsung tv with the Apple TV app but only offers me 1 week free. How do I get the 1 yr on this app? Can I only stream free offer on my iPad?
Hi Vickey,
Update your Apple TV and your iPad to the latest iOS 13/apple tvOS version and then navigate to the Apple TV app. You should see a notice to redeem your 1 year free in the Apple TV app there.
If you don’t see that notice, try tapping the “Try Apple TV+ free” option–after selecting it, tap the option “Enjoy 1 Year Free”.
This is eligible for devices purchased after September 10, 2019 only.