Yes, Apple TV has a free trial. Apple says new members get a free 7-day trial, and if you get a new Apple device, Apple TV is included free for 3 months when you redeem the offer within 90 days. You can start the trial in the Apple TV app on Apple devices, on other streaming devices, or at tv.apple.com.
If you're searching for an Apple TV+ free trial, this is the same thing: Apple now calls the streaming service Apple TV. The bit that catches people out is the family rule, because one person in a Family Sharing group using the device offer can use it up for everyone. Here's how it works.
The two Apple TV free trials
| 7-day trial | Apple device offer | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 7 days | 3 months |
| Who qualifies | New members only | New and qualified returning members who get a new eligible Apple device |
| Redeem window | Start whenever you like | Within 90 days, and Apple says the offer is good for three months after the device is activated |
| Family limit | Not stated | One offer per Apple Account and one per family in a Family Sharing group |
| After the trial | Renews automatically until cancelled | Renews automatically until cancelled |
How to start the 7-day trial
- Open the Apple TV app on your iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV 4K or HD, or go to tv.apple.com in a browser.
- Sign in with your Apple Account.
- Choose the free trial option for Apple TV.
- Confirm with your card. Apple says the plan renews automatically after the trial until you cancel.
- Set a reminder for day 6 if you're only testing it.
Apple also says you can start the trial on other streaming devices, which is handy if your TV runs a different system.
The family catch on the 3-month offer
Apple's terms for the device offer say it's one offer per Apple Account, and only one offer per family if you're in a Family Sharing group, regardless of how many devices you or your family get. They also say the offer isn't available if you or your family have accepted an Apple TV three months free or one year free offer before.
So if a family member already claimed it on their new iPhone, your new Mac won't bring another three months. Check with your family organiser before you assume you'll get it.
What Apple TV includes, and what it doesn't
The trial gives you Apple's own shows and films in the Apple TV app. Apple's terms are clear on one point that confuses people: the Apple TV service doesn't include third-party branded channels inside the app, or films and shows you rent or own there separately. Those stay outside the trial.
Apple also says you can share Apple TV with your family, so a trial on your account can be used by members of your Family Sharing group.
Other ways to get Apple TV included
- Apple Music Student: Apple says the Student plan comes with access to Apple TV for verified college students. That access ends when you no longer qualify or don't renew, and it doesn't extend to a Family Sharing group.
- Apple One: Apple TV is included in every Apple One plan. Apple's terms say the Apple One trial only covers services you're not already using through a trial or a membership.
- New iPhone, iPad or Mac: Apple runs a separate offer of three months of Apple One with those devices.
How to cancel the trial
You can cancel Apple TV on the web or on an iPhone or iPad from your Apple Account settings. On Windows, Apple says you can cancel in the Apple TV app by going to your account settings and finding the plan. If there's no Cancel button, or you see an expiry message in red, Apple says it's already cancelled.
Apple's cancel page also says that if a family member's Apple Account is on the receipt, only that person can cancel. Search your email for 'receipt from Apple' to see which account started it.
Where you can watch during the trial
Apple says you can watch in the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV 4K or HD, on other streaming devices, or in a browser at tv.apple.com. That means you don't need Apple hardware to use the 7-day trial, which is handy if your living room runs on a different system.
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Is the Apple TV free trial worth it?
Seven days is short, so plan it. Pick one series you want to finish and start the trial when you've got time to watch. If you've just bought an Apple device, the three-month offer is the better deal as long as nobody in your family has used it. If you're watching on a TV that isn't an Apple TV, my guide to casting from your phone to your TV covers the basics, and if you've got Apple Music Student, here's how to move your Spotify playlists to Apple Music.
My verdict: claim the three-month device offer within 90 days if it's available to your family, otherwise take the 7-day trial on a week when you'll use it, and cancel early if you're not sure.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Apple TV free trial?
Apple says new members get a free 7-day trial. If you get a new eligible Apple device, Apple TV is included free for 3 months when you redeem within 90 days.
Is the Apple TV+ free trial the same as the Apple TV free trial?
Yes. Apple now calls its streaming service Apple TV, and the 7-day trial is the one Apple lists for new members.
Can my family use my Apple TV trial?
Apple says you can share Apple TV with your family. The 3-month device offer is limited to one per family in a Family Sharing group.
Does the Apple TV trial include channels in the Apple TV app?
No. Apple says the Apple TV service doesn't include third-party branded channels or content you rent or own in the Apple TV app.
Can students get Apple TV free?
Apple says the Apple Music Student plan comes with access to Apple TV for verified college students, and it ends when you no longer qualify.
How do I cancel the Apple TV free trial?
Cancel on the web, in your Apple Account settings on an iPhone or iPad, or in the Apple TV app on Windows.
