How to Avoid the Price Increase of Apple TV Plus: Tips and Tricks

The trend of increasing subscription fees for streaming services has become all too familiar, and the latest hike from Apple TV Plus is no exception. Fortunately, you don’t have to cancel your subscription and miss out on original programming from Apple. Here are several strategies to mitigate the impact of these price hikes while preserving your access to your favorite shows.

Take Advantage of Temporary Discounts

When streaming services raise their prices, many frustrated users consider cancellation as a form of protest. In light of the recent Apple TV Plus price hike, the company is responding by offering a limited-time discount. New and existing subscribers can benefit from a reduced rate of $5.99/month for the first two months, rather than the standard rate of $12.99/month.

Given Apple’s relatively small library compared to competitors, many users find the increased price frustrating—especially if they only wish to binge a few select shows. Utilize the two-month discount to complete your watchlist before deciding to cancel your subscription until future content piques your interest.

To cancel your subscription, navigate to the Apple TV website. Simply log in, select your profile icon, and go to Settings -> Subscriptions -> Manage (under Apple TV+). From there, click Cancel and confirm your decision. While the offer may not reach every user, many have successfully received it.

Consider an Annual Subscription

For devoted Apple TV Plus users, switching to an annual subscription might be a smart move. Priced at $99/year, this plan reduces the effective monthly cost to approximately $8.25, significantly lower than the monthly rate. However, keep in mind that Apple retains the right to adjust annual rates at any time, so locking in your subscription sooner rather than later can provide savings for the upcoming year.

To switch to an annual plan, log into your Apple account via a web browser or any Apple device, navigate to your subscriptions, and change your Apple TV+ plan from monthly to annually. Don’t forget to cancel before the year ends to avoid automatic renewal at whatever rate is in place at that time.

Utilize Mobile Carrier Promotions

If you’re considering a change in your mobile provider, check out the deals available through Verizon and T-Mobile, both of which offer substantial discounts on Apple TV Plus subscriptions.

Verizon provides a modest benefit of $5 off the Apple One bundle. However, the total monthly cost is $15 per line, which can quickly add up. Alternatively, T-Mobile’s offer is notably more appealing. Their plan bundles Apple TV Plus, Netflix with ads, and Hulu under the Experience Beyond plan for $100/month for one line, allowing for reduced costs as more lines are added. A simpler Experience More plan, excluding Hulu, is offered at $85/month.

Bundle Apple Services for Additional Savings

For those utilizing various premium Apple services, bundling can be an effective way to manage the impact of the Apple TV Plus price increase. Apple offers three Apple One bundles: Individual ($19.95/month), Family ($25.95/month), and Premier ($37.95/month).

If you don’t have co-subscribers, the Individual plan grants access to essential services including iCloud+, Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Apple Arcade—resulting in a monthly savings of $12 when compared to purchasing each service independently.

Apple One bundles to help avoid Apple TV Plus price hike.

For families sharing subscriptions, both the Family and Premier options allow for simultaneous use and additional iCloud+ storage space. The Premier plan further adds Apple Fitness+ and Apple News+ to the mix.

Be Patient for Discount Opportunities

If you typically binge-watch and then take breaks from Apple TV Plus, consider waiting for discount periods before resubscribing. This strategy requires you to re-enter the streaming service as a new subscriber with a different email address and payment method.

Those with multiple email accounts (not temporary ones) and credit cards can cycle through various accounts to take advantage of promotional pricing. Major shopping events, including Black Friday and promotional days like National Streaming Day in May, typically offer significant discounts. Last year, for instance, subscribers encountered a rate of just $2.99/month during the May promotion—often lower rates can be found during Black Friday.

Leverage Student Discounts

If you’re a college student, taking advantage of your.edu email address can lead to substantial savings. Apple offers a discounted Apple Music plan at just $5.99/month, which currently includes complimentary access to Apple TV Plus.

Keep in mind that re-verification may be required occasionally to maintain your student status. Unfortunately, sharing this subscription is not permitted, and it’s limited to 48 months—but it’s a great opportunity to save while you can.

While it’s unlikely that you’ll entirely sidestep the Apple TV Plus price hike in the long term, utilizing these strategies can help you maximize your savings. And for those moments when you misplace your Apple TV remote, here’s how to manage that situation effectively.

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