Apple’s streaming service, Apple TV+, which features a growing library of original content, is now rolling out to Sky Q and Sky Glass devices across the UK.
Apple TV+ is Apple’s answer to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. It’s a streaming VOD service, that lets you watch original content from Apple – movies, documentaries and TV programmes.
Since Apple TV+ only airs “originals”, it doesn’t have a huge library of past content. But some of its highlights include Foundation, The Morning Show and the multi-Emmy award-winning comedy Ted Lasso.
The service is not an integral part of any Sky package (for now, at least), and customers need to subscribe to it directly.
Therefore, Apple TV+ subscriptions will be billed directly by Apple, and not via the customer’s Sky bill (which is an option with some other content partners, such as Disney+ and Netflix).
Normally, Apple TV+ costs £4.99/month, though every new customer of Apple TV+ can get a free 7 days trial, and customers who buy iOS devices can get three free months.
It’s important to note that Sky customers are not getting the full Apple TV app (as it exists on streaming devices such as the Amazon Fire TV sticks or Roku).
Instead, Sky is only bringing the Apple TV+ section of Apple TV.
This means you won’t be able to buy digital films and TV shows on-demand directly from Apple. Plus, you won’t be able to watch content you previously bought on iTunes elsewhere.
As we reported earlier this year, this move is part of a global agreement between Comcast (the corporation that owns Sky) and Apple, which would also see Sky Go coming to Apple TV devices in 2022.
How To Watch Apple TV+ On Sky
Apple TV+ can be found in the apps Menu on Sky Q and Sky Glass, or via the apps rail on the Sky Q and the Sky Glass home page.
When you launch the app for the first time, you will have to sign in with your iTunes / Apple account.
Since Apple TV+ is a streaming service, its shows are streamed, so you’re not able to download them to your Sky Q box to watch at a later date.
On Sky Glass, the new streaming TV from Sky, customers will now be able to add Apple TV+ shows to their playlist. As with other apps, once you select a show to watch, it will be loaded directly in the Apple TV+ app.
If you want to watch in 4K/HDR (though not all the content is available in 4K), The Apple TV+ app will detect your TV settings and auto change the stream to Ultra HD or HDR, if you have a compatible TV and Sky Q box, or Sky Glass.
In the future, Apple TV+ will also be accessible via Sky Q and Sky Glass’ voice commands.