In a world of rising streaming subscription costs, one question is being asked more frequently than ever: is Apple TV free? With platforms like Netflix and Disney+ charging higher prices and removing free trials, Apple TV+ stands out by offering several creative ways to access its content at no cost—at least for a limited time.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the ways you can answer the question “is Apple TV free?” with a “yes”, from official Apple trials to student discounts, carrier bundles, and promotional events. Whether you’re a budget-conscious viewer or someone exploring streaming options in 2025, this post will show you exactly how to access Apple’s premium content without paying a dime—and how to make that free period last as long as possible.
Is Apple TV Free? Quick Explanation
So, is Apple TV free? The simple and direct answer is: not permanently, but Apple TV+ does offer multiple official ways to stream content for free, depending on your situation.
Apple TV+ is a paid streaming service that typically costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. However, Apple has built a reputation for offering extended trials, promotional access, and bundled offers that make it easy for many users to enjoy the service without paying, at least initially.
If you’re wondering is Apple TV free for students, for iPhone buyers, or for mobile plan subscribers, the answer is: often, yes. But each free access option comes with its own rules, time limits, and conditions. Let’s explore them in detail.
Ways to Get Apple TV Free in 2025
Here’s the good news: there are several legit ways to access Apple TV+ for free in 2025. If you’re asking is Apple TV free, the answer depends on which of these categories you fall into:
1. Apple’s Official Free Trials
Apple makes it easy for new users to try its services.
- All new Apple ID users get a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ when they first sign up for the service.
- Anyone who buys a new Apple device—like an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Mac—can redeem a 3-month free trial of Apple TV+. The offer must be activated within 90 days of device setup.
- Apple One, which bundles several Apple services including TV+, Music, Arcade, and iCloud+, includes a 1-month free trial for first-time users.
If you’re asking, is Apple TV free with Apple One?—the answer is yes, for one month.
2. Bundled With Mobile Carrier Plans
Many users don’t realize that their mobile plans might already include Apple TV+. So if you’re asking is Apple TV free with my phone plan?, it might be—depending on your provider.
- T-Mobile in the US offers free Apple TV+ for the life of the plan to Go5G Next and Go5G Plus subscribers.
- In the UK, EE includes 6 months of Apple TV+ with select iPhone contracts.
- Other UK providers like O2, Three, and Currys have also offered 3 to 6-month free trials of Apple TV+ when purchasing new phones or tablets.
3. Apple Music Student Plan
If you’re a student and still wondering, is Apple TV free?—here’s a deal that’s hard to beat.
- Students who subscribe to the Apple Music Student Plan for just $6/month also get Apple TV+ for free.
- This deal is valid for up to 4 years, as long as you remain a verified student.
- Verification is handled through UNiDAYS, a third-party student verification platform used by Apple.
This is one of the longest-term ways to access Apple TV+ without paying for a separate subscription.
4. Special Promotional Access
Apple sometimes unlocks free access for all users—even if you’re not on a trial or a subscriber.
- In early 2025, Apple ran a 3-day worldwide promotion allowing any Apple ID holder to watch Apple TV+ content for free.
- This included access to high-profile shows like Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, and Foundation.
So if you’re wondering is Apple TV free during certain events?—the answer is yes, during global promotions or product launch weekends. Keep an eye on Apple announcements around holidays and keynote events.
Tips to Make Your Free Apple TV+ Last Longer
If your goal is to enjoy Apple TV+ as long as possible without paying, here’s how to extend your free access smartly:
- Stack the trials: Use the 7-day free trial, then activate your device’s 3-month trial, and finally try Apple One’s 1-month free trial.
- Use Family Sharing: A single subscription can be shared with up to 6 family members. One person pays—everyone watches.
- Watch for promotional weekends: Apple often opens access during holidays or new season premieres.
- Use multiple Apple IDs: While not officially recommended, rotating through Apple IDs can provide additional trial periods.
- Set cancel reminders: Trials auto-renew. Cancel 24 hours before the trial ends to avoid being charged.
These strategies can stretch your free viewing to 5 months or more if timed well.
Is Apple TV Free Forever? Here’s the Reality
Many users ask if Apple TV+ can be free forever. Let’s be clear: there is no permanent free plan unless your mobile carrier includes it in your subscription.
- Free trials are time-limited and will convert into paid subscriptions automatically.
- Carrier offers like T-Mobile’s Go5G plans are the only way to get indefinite free access.
- All users should track their trial end dates and set calendar reminders to avoid surprise charges.
So, is Apple TV free forever? No—but it can be free long enough to enjoy a lot of premium content.
Is Apple TV+ Worth Paying For?
Even if you run out of free options, Apple TV+ still offers excellent value for the price.
Here’s why it’s worth considering, even beyond the free periods:
- Apple TV+ offers critically acclaimed original shows and movies.
- New seasons of shows like Ted Lasso, Severance, Slow Horses, and Foundation continue to draw in loyal fans.
- The platform has no ads, high video quality, and tight integration with Apple devices.
- Compared to Netflix or Amazon Prime, Apple TV+ is still one of the most affordable premium streaming options.
So, even after exhausting all the free ways, you might find it worth keeping in your entertainment rotation.
Final Verdict: So, Is Apple TV Free or Not?
To summarize: Is Apple TV free? Not in the long term—but there are many reliable and legitimate ways to access it without paying upfront. Apple’s generous trials, bundled offers, and student deals make it one of the most accessible streaming platforms today. Whether you’re watching via a new iPhone, through your mobile plan, or taking advantage of a promotional weekend, Apple gives you multiple ways to experience its content for free.
And even if you decide to pay after all the trials, Apple TV+ continues to offer premium content at a price lower than most competitors.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is Apple TV free for iPhone users?
Yes, if you purchase a new iPhone, you are eligible for 3 months of free Apple TV+, which must be redeemed within 90 days of activating the device.
Q2. Is Apple TV free with Apple Music Student Plan?
Yes, students who subscribe to the Apple Music Student Plan also receive Apple TV+ completely free for up to 4 years.
Q3. Is Apple TV free for T-Mobile customers?
Yes, selected T-Mobile plans like Go5G Next and Go5G Plus offer free Apple TV+ for the duration of the plan.
Q4. Is Apple TV free on Roku or Fire Stick?
The Apple TV app is free to download, but Apple TV+ content requires a subscription or active trial.
Q5. Is Apple TV free during Apple events or holidays?
Sometimes. Apple occasionally unlocks free access to Apple TV+ content during global promotional events or holidays.
Q6. Is Apple TV free with Apple One?
Yes, Apple One bundles several services, and you get a 1-month free trial that includes Apple TV+.
Q7. Can I cancel my Apple TV free trial before being charged?
Yes, you should cancel at least 24 hours before the trial ends to avoid being billed.
Q8. How many people can use one Apple TV+ account?
Through Apple’s Family Sharing, up to six users can share one Apple TV+ subscription.
