Apple TV: The Ultimate Apple TV Guide, Best Shows, Free Trials, and Hidden Features
Apple TV is a groundbreaking device, but with so many streaming options out there, how does it stand out? Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just looking to stream your favorite shows, this guide has everything you need to know. From understanding what Apple TV is to exploring the best shows and figuring out how much it costs, we’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
1.What is Apple TV?
2.How Much is Apple TV?
3.Apple TV Remote: Features and Shortcuts
4.Apple TV Free Trial: How to Get Started
5.Best Shows on Apple TV in 2024
6.Apple TV Movies: A Growing Collection
7.Top-Rated Apple TV Series
8.Invasion on Apple TV: A Must-Watch?
9.How to Cancel Apple TV Subscription
10.Dark Matter Apple TV: A Deep Dive
11.Apple TV vs Other Streaming Services
12.How to Set Up Your Apple TV
13.Apple TV in 4K: Is It Worth It?
14.Apple TV App: Accessing It on Non-Apple Devices
15.The Future of Apple TV: What’s Next?
1.What is Apple TV?
Apple TV is a digital media player developed by Apple that allows users to stream content from various platforms, including iTunes, Netflix, and Apple TV+. It connects to your television via HDMI and turns any ordinary TV into a smart TV. Unlike traditional cable, Apple TV focuses on streaming on-demand content, offering both subscription-based services and one-time purchases for movies and shows.
With Apple TV+, the company has also stepped into producing its own original content, competing with streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.
2.How Much is Apple TV?
The cost of Apple TV varies based on the model and subscription plan. The hardware, Apple TV 4K, currently retails for around $129. However, the subscription service, Apple TV+, is priced at $6.99 per month after a 7-day free trial. Apple frequently bundles the service with other Apple products, and promotions sometimes extend the free trial to three months or more.
For families, Apple TV+ offers a great deal: a single subscription supports family sharing, allowing up to six people to stream on their devices simultaneously.
3.Apple TV Remote: Features and Shortcuts
The Apple TV remote has gone through various upgrades, but its sleek design and minimalism make it easy to use. The newest Siri Remote includes a touchpad, voice controls, and motion-sensor capabilities. You can ask Siri to find your favorite shows, adjust the volume, or even navigate between apps without lifting a finger. Additionally, with the new “back” button, navigating has never been easier.
Pro Tip: You can even pair your iPhone with Apple TV to use as a remote, giving you more control options and functionality.
4.Apple TV Free Trial: How to Get Started
Apple TV+ offers a 7-day free trial for new users. If you’ve recently purchased an Apple device like an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you may be eligible for an extended three-month trial. Setting up your trial is straightforward:
- Open the Apple TV app.
- Sign in with your Apple ID.
- Navigate to Apple TV+ and select “Start Free Trial.”
- Confirm your subscription.
Remember, the trial automatically converts into a paid subscription unless canceled.
5.Best Shows on Apple TV in 2024
Apple TV+ has grown exponentially since its launch, now offering some of the best original series available. Here are the top must-watch shows:
- Ted Lasso: A heartwarming comedy about an American football coach leading a British soccer team.
- Severance: A mind-bending thriller exploring work-life balance in a dystopian setting.
- For All Mankind: An alternate history of the space race, imagining what would happen if the Soviets had landed on the moon first.
- The Morning Show: A dramatic take on the behind-the-scenes chaos of morning news.
6.Apple TV Movies: A Growing Collection
While Apple TV+ is more known for its original series, it also features a robust collection of original films. Movies like Coda, which won an Academy Award for Best Picture, and The Banker, a riveting historical drama, showcase the platform’s growing film portfolio.
Apple TV also allows you to purchase or rent a variety of movies from third-party platforms, making it a one-stop shop for all your streaming needs.
7.Top-Rated Apple TV Series
In addition to the popular series already mentioned, Apple TV+ is home to other critically acclaimed series like:
- Mythic Quest: A comedy set in a video game development studio.
- Foundation: An epic sci-fi series based on Isaac Asimov’s iconic novels.
- Invasion: A thrilling alien invasion drama that spans the globe.
Each show offers something unique, whether it’s the humor of “Mythic Quest” or the breathtaking visual effects of “Foundation.”
8.Invasion on Apple TV: A Must-Watch?
“Invasion” has been one of Apple TV+’s standout series in the sci-fi genre. It offers a fresh take on alien invasion stories, focusing more on human emotions and survival rather than just action-packed battles. The show delves into the lives of various characters around the globe, each experiencing the invasion in their own way.
The series has been praised for its cinematography and storytelling, making it a must-watch for sci-fi lovers.
9.How to Cancel Apple TV Subscription
Canceling your Apple TV subscription is simple:
- Open the Apple TV app or go to the Apple TV website.
- Navigate to your account settings.
- Select “Manage Subscriptions.”
- Find Apple TV+ and click “Cancel Subscription.”
Remember to cancel before the end of your billing cycle to avoid any extra charges.
10.Dark Matter Apple TV: A Deep Dive
“Dark Matter,” an upcoming series on Apple TV+, is based on the novel by Blake Crouch. The show delves into parallel universes and the choices that define our lives. With a mix of science fiction and philosophical questions about identity, the show promises to be one of Apple TV+’s biggest hits in 2024.
Fans of shows like “Black Mirror” and “Severance” will find “Dark Matter” equally thought-provoking and gripping.
11.Apple TV vs Other Streaming Services
In the crowded streaming market, how does Apple TV stack up against services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+? Apple TV+ differentiates itself with high-quality original programming and competitive pricing. While it doesn’t have the extensive library of third-party content that some competitors offer, its curated selection of originals like Ted Lasso and Severance gives it a unique edge.
Moreover, Apple TV integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices, allowing for features like AirPlay and Family Sharing, which makes it a more integrated experience for Apple users.
12.How to Set Up Your Apple TV
Setting up your Apple TV is easy, even for beginners. Follow these simple steps:
- Plug your Apple TV into your TV using an HDMI cable.
- Connect the device to power.
- Turn on your TV and select the HDMI input for your Apple TV.
- Use the Apple TV remote to complete the on-screen setup instructions, including connecting to Wi-Fi and signing in with your Apple ID.
You can also set up Apple TV with your iPhone, allowing for quick configuration using Bluetooth.
13. Apple TV in 4K: Is It Worth It?
The Apple TV 4K offers stunning visuals with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Dolby Atmos sound, making it a great choice for those who value high-quality streaming. If you have a 4K TV, the upgrade is definitely worth it for the enhanced picture quality and audio experience.
4K content on Apple TV+ is available at no additional cost, and many third-party streaming apps offer 4K content as well. For movie lovers and sports enthusiasts, the immersive experience of 4K streaming on Apple TV is a major plus.
14. Apple TV App: Accessing It on Non-Apple Devices
One of the biggest advantages of Apple TV is its versatility. The Apple TV app is available not just on Apple devices but also on non-Apple devices like smart TVs, Roku, Fire Stick, and even gaming consoles. This broad availability means you can access Apple TV+ content even if you don’t own an Apple TV device.
This makes the Apple TV app a flexible option for users who want to enjoy Apple TV+ originals and other streaming services through a single platform, without being locked into the Apple ecosystem.
15.The Future of Apple TV: What’s Next?
As streaming becomes an ever more crowded market, Apple is continuously innovating to stay ahead. Future developments may include deeper integration with Apple’s augmented reality technology, expanding its library of content, and offering even more value-added features like interactive experiences or gaming.
Apple’s commitment to producing premium content ensures that Apple TV+ will continue to be a major player in the streaming world. Expect more exciting shows, movies, and technological advancements in the years to come.
FAQs
- What is Apple TV?
Apple TV is a digital media player and streaming service offering content from various platforms, including Apple’s own original programming. - How much is Apple TV?
The Apple TV 4K device costs around $129, and Apple TV+ subscription is $6.99 per month. - Can I cancel Apple TV anytime?
Yes, you can cancel your subscription anytime through the Apple TV app or website. - Is there a free trial for Apple TV?
Yes, Apple TV+ offers a 7-day free trial, with extended trials available for new Apple device owners. - What are the best shows on Apple TV?
Some of the best shows include Ted Lasso, Severance, For All Mankind, and The Morning Show. - How do I use the Apple TV remote?
The Apple TV remote allows you to navigate through your device with touchpad controls and voice commands through Siri.
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