David Farnor | On 01, Nov 2019

Apple has officially unveiled its new subscription streaming service, Apple TV+, and with only a matter of weeks until the Netflix rival launches, the question on everyone’s lips is simple: is it going to be worth it?

While Apple promised that it would be “not just another streaming service”, there’s no denying that Apple TV+ will face an uphill battle to make its mark, with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video already far ahead in the race for eyeballs and subscribers. Apple has wasted no time in attracting big names, though, and that roster of talent plus a competitive price may be enough to carve out its own slice of the streaming pie.

Tempted by Apple TV+? Here’s everything you need to know, from price, release date and content to how to get it.

When does Apple TV+ launch?

The Apple TV+ release date has been confirmed as 1st November 2019 in more than 100 countries worldwide, including the UK – pipping Disney+ to the post. For a full guide to the November launch, click here.

How much does Apple TV+ cost?

Apple TV+ will cost £4.99 a month, cheaper than Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. In a move to help drive purchases of its hardware, anyone who buys a new iMac, Apple TV, iPad or iPhone will also get a free 12-month subscription (worth around £60).

How can I get Apple TV+?

See our full guide to how to get Apple TV+.

Apple TV+ will be part of the Apple TV app, and the tech giant is opening up its doors a little with that. The app is available on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and iPod touch, plus Fire TV, Roku and will soon be on Mac. The Apple TV app is also available on select Samsung smart TVs, and will come to LG, Sony and VIZIO platforms in the future. Customers with eligible VIZIO, Samsung, LG and Sony smart TVs will also be able to cast videos from their iPhone or iPad to their TVs with AirPlay 2 support.

Alternatively, you can sign up and watch Apple TV+ originals through your web browser at tv.apple.com.

What’s on it?

Apple’s line-up of original shows, movies and documentaries will boast programming from names such as Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Octavia Spencer, J.J. Abrams, Jason Momoa, M. Night Shyamalan, Jon M. Chu and more.

Here are the titles that will be available from launch on 1st November – for more on each title, or on series coming soon after the launch, click here.

The Morning Show (1st November)

A cutthroat drama starring and executive produced by Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, and starring Steve Carell, explores the world of morning news and the ego, ambition and the misguided search for power behind the people who help America wake up in the morning. Read our review here.

See (1st November)

An epic drama starring Jason Momoa and Alfre Woodard, is set 600 years in the future after a virus has decimated humankind and rendered the remaining population blind. When all humanity has lost the sense of sight, humans must adapt and find new ways to survive. Read our review here.

Dickinson (1st November)

A darkly comedic coming-of-age story, explores the constraints of society, gender and family through the lens of rebellious young poet, Emily Dickinson. Read our review here.

For All Mankind (1st November)

A new series from Ronald D. Moore that imagines what would have happened if the global space race never ended and the space program remained the cultural centrepiece of America’s hopes and dreams. Read our review here.

The Elephant Queen (1st November)

An acclaimed documentary film and cinematic love letter to a species on the verge of extinction, follows a majestic matriarch elephant and her herd on an epic journey of life, loss and homecoming. Read our review here.

Helpsters (1st November)

A new children’s series from the makers of Sesame Street that stars Cody and a team of vibrant monsters who love to help solve problems.

Snoopy in Space (1st November)

A new original from Peanuts Worldwide and DHX Media takes viewers on a journey with Snoopy as he follows his dreams to become an astronaut. Together, Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the Peanuts crew take command of the International Space Station and explore the moon and beyond.

Ghostwriter (1st November)

A reinvention of the beloved original series that follows four kids who are brought together by a mysterious ghost in a neighbourhood bookstore, and must team up to release fictional characters from works of literature.

Oprah (1st November)

Oprah Winfrey joins the world’s most compelling authors in conversation as she builds a vibrant, global book club community and other projects to connect with people around the world and share meaningful ways to create positive change.

 

Everything will be downloadable for offline viewing, ad-free and available on-demand – just like any other streaming service.

When are episodes released?

Most series will premiere, Hulu-style, with three episodes available at first, and then an additional episode released weekly, although some will also be released all-at-once. See our guide to which series are being released weekly and when their new episodes arrive.

 

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