Is Apple TV+ Worth It? Content Library, Price Packages & More, Explained

Since Apple TV+ launched on November 1st, 2019, it has quickly established itself as a leading streaming service. Boasting an eclectic slate of premium television shows and award-winning films, Apple TV+ has reached impressive milestones in its first five years. From becoming the first streaming service to win the Best Picture Oscar for CODA, to securing Outstanding Comedy Series wins at the Emmys in 2021 and 2022 for Ted Lasso, Apple TV+ has become synonymous with high-quality programming and has much to offer its subscribers.

But with so many streaming services to choose from, is Apple TV+ worth subscribing to? The service certainly has its strengths, especially in attaching huge movie stars alongside acclaimed directors such as Alfonso Cuarón, Martin Scorsese, and Ridley Scott to its projects. However, while Apple TV+ delivers quality, its quantity of content — along with a few other factors — may leave some viewers wanting more.

How Much Does Apple TV+ Cost?

An Apple TV+ Subscription Is $9.99/Month

A subscription to Apple TV+ only costs $9.99 a month. While this is a significant increase from Apple TV+’s original launch price of $4.99, it remains one of the most affordable streaming services on the market. Apple also offers various benefits and discounts to loyal customers. For instance, when you purchase another Apple product, such as a MacBook Pro or iPhone, you receive a free three-month subscription to Apple TV+.

Apple TV+ is also available through Apple One, which bundles five other Apple services — including Apple Music and Apple Arcade — into a single monthly subscription. Apple TV+ has also been open to bundling its service with other streamers. Best of all, Apple TV+ allows subscribers to share their account with up to five family members, a notable difference from other platforms like Netflix and Disney, which have implemented strict password crackdowns. From a price standpoint, it’s hard to beat Apple TV+.

What Are The Pros Of Subscribing To Apple TV+?

Apple TV+ Has Lots Of Original Programming With Top Talent And Diverse Genres

One of the biggest reasons to subscribe to Apple TV+ is its robust lineup of original programming. This year alone, Apple launched nearly a new series every month, alongside its ongoing series. Additionally, Apple TV+ rolled out six high-profile films, and a diverse range of reality programming, documentaries, and kids’ content, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Apple TV+ also consistently attracts A-List talent to almost every project it produces. Just this year, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Austin Butler, Scarlett Johansson, Matt Damon, Vince Vaughn, and Cate Blanchett starred in films and TV shows on its platform. Esteemed filmmakers such as Steve McQueen, Doug Limon, Taika Waititi, and Jon Watts also recently worked with the streamer. No other streaming service can quite match this pedigree. While not all the projects were successes, there is no denying that the most sought-after talent in Hollywood is in business with Apple TV+.

The variety of content that Apple TV+ produces is also impressive, offering movies and TV shows in nearly every genre. There are big literary limited series like Lessons in Chemistry, successful workplace dramas such as The Morning Show, and edge-of-your-seat thrillers like Hijack and Presumed Innocent.

Anya Taylor-Joy recently signed on to star in another Apple TV+ literary miniseries,
Lucky
, based on the novel of the same name by Marissa Stapley.

Apple TV+ shines in comedy as well, with a roster featuring some of the funniest talent around. Kristen Wiig is a delight in Palm Royale, Sharon Horgan brings her signature wit to Bad Sisters, Jason Segel charms in Shrinking (alongside Harrison Ford who gives one of the funniest performances on TV), and Maya Rudolph brings tons of laughter to Loot.

No other streaming service rivals Apple in delivering such high-quality genre programming.

But most impressive is Apple TV+’s commitment to the sci-fi genre. From adaptations of acclaimed novels like Foundation, Dark Matter, and Silo, to ambitious swings like Sugar, For All Mankind, and Severance, no other streaming service rivals Apple in delivering such high-quality genre programming.

What Are The Cons Of Subscribing To Apple TV+

Apple TV+ Doesn’t Have A Large Library Of Content

While Apple TV+ does produce a significant amount of original content, unlike other streaming services, it doesn’t have a large library, which is the platform’s biggest drawback. Although Apple has occasionally licensed films for its platform in the past, and rumors always persist of possible acquisitions of studio libraries, the company has not clarified its long-term strategy for expanding its library.

Another big criticism of Apple TV+ is its lackluster marketing. This might explain why Apple TV+ only accounts for 0.2% of total TV viewing in the US (via Bloomberg). While the service has had its share of culture-defining shows, you would be hard-pressed to find many people who know there is a new Billy Crystal series called Before, or a remake of the beloved Terry Gilliam film Time Bandits on the service.

Only a handful of Apple TV+ shows, like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show, have made it onto Nielsen’s list of most-viewed streaming titles. However, if Ted Lasso can be the most viewed series of 2023, it means that audiences definitely know how to access Apple TV+; they just chose not to engage with most of its content.

There is also a significant gap between seasons for many Apple TV+ series. This delay is likely due to actor availability and the complex nature of its productions. One of its most popular series, Severance, will have an almost two-year gap between seasons when season 2 premieres in January. Similarly, some of Apple TV+’s best-known shows, such as The Morning Show, For All Mankind, Foundation, and Invasion, did not release new episodes in 2023.

How Does Apple TV+ Compare To Other Streamers?

Apple TV+ Offers Similar Original Programming And Competitive Prices

When it comes to pricing, Apple TV+ remains competitive. Although it’s slightly more expensive than the ad-supported plans of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, and Paramount+, it is far more affordable than the premium tiers of those services.

Apple TV+ also offers similar types of programming to its biggest competitors. Like its rivals, Apple now provides live sports programming, including Major League Baseball and soccer. The platform has also expanded into international shows such as Dr. Brain, and Midnight Family, alongside Emmy-winning documentaries like Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, and boasts a strong lineup of children’s programming, similar to other streaming platforms.

Is Apple TV+ Worth Subscribing To?

For Those Who Enjoy Premium Original Content And Big-Name Stars, Apple TV+ Is A Great Subscription

Apple TV+ is a streamer that believes in quality over quantity. It is arguably in business with more A-list talent than any other service. While not every show or film works, it has a high batting average. Unlike its competitors that have favored shorter episode orders and seasons in recent years, Apple makes shows that have the storytelling depth of the peak TV classics from the mid-2000s, giving creators the time and space to fully realize their visions.

Their upcoming slate is packed with highly anticipated projects, including Brad Pitt’s film F1, Scott Derrickson’s The Gorge, Mayday starring Ryan Reynolds, Guy Ritchie’s The Fountain of Youth with John Krasinski and Natalie Portman, Vince Gilligan’s follow-up to Better Call Saul, and a series adaptation of the Murderbot books. With such an impressive lineup, Apple TV+ is definitely a streaming service worth subscribing to.