Ever since its launch back in November 2019, Apple TV+, the streaming service from Apple, was offered for free to people who bought an eligible Apple device such as an iPhone.
Starting July 1, 2021, the terms of that long-running offer will change dramatically – both in the US and in the UK (and other countries). So, you only have until then to take advantage of the original offer.
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 content. But some of its highlights include The Morning Show, Ted Lasso (both are coming back for a second season soon), For All Mankind and more.
Normally, Apple TV+ costs £4.99/month. Every new customer of Apple TV+ can get a free 7 days trial.
But customers who recently (up to 3 months before) bought one of Apple’s devices – an iPhone, and iPad, and Apple TV or a MAC – can get a full free year.
Since its launch, Apple even extended the free trial (twice), until July 1, 2021 – so in practice, customers who started the free trial when the service launched back in late 2019, have had it for free ever since.
Starting July 1, 2021, however, two things will happen – customers who’ve had the free trial for more than a year would have to start paying for it (unless there’s another last-minute extension), and, new customers will get a reduced free trial.
Apple TV+ Free Trial – The New Terms
Earlier this week, the new Apple TV+ terms were announced for US customers – but eventually, they were updated for UK customers as well.
From July 1, people who buy an eligible Apple device, will still be able to get a free Apple TV+ free trial – but instead of 12 months, the free period will be reduced to 3 months.
If you buy a device – and activate the free trial – before June 30, 2021, you will still qualify for the full 12 months free trial.
Keep in mind that each “Family” can only use this offer (whether the 12 months or 3 months) once – therefore, if one of your family members (on the same Apple account) already received the free trial before – none of you can get it again.
You can, however, share your Apple TV+ subscription – either paid or free – with up to five other family members via Apple’s Family Sharing.
Remember that once the free trial is up, your subscription would automatically renew at the normal £4.99/month price, unless you cancel beforehand.
Be warned, however, that unlike many other free trials – in this case, if you cancel before the trial is up – you will lose access to Apple TV+ immediately, with no option to re-activate the free trial.
Therefore, if you’re planning to cancel but want to keep watching Apple TV+ until your free period is over, it might be a good idea to mark the cancellation date on your calendar – two or three days before the trial ends.