Apple TV+ in 2026: The Complete Guide to What’s New, What’s Worth It, and How to Watch

Last Updated on: 3rd February 2026, 12:46 pm

Want to know if Apple TV+ is still worth the monthly fee in 2026? With a hype of major returning seasons and high-stakes new projects, this may be the service’s most defining year yet. This guide gives you a clear look at the premieres, strategies, and practical tips you need to decide.

What is Apple TV+?

You can now forget a huge library of reruns. Apple TV+ operates on a “quality over quantity” model. It’s a boutique streaming service all about Apple Originals i.e. movies, series, and documentaries produced or acquired exclusively by Apple. With a catalog of around 300 titles, it’s smaller than giants like Netflix or Disney+, but its hits often achieve outsized important and awards success (think CODA’s Best Picture Oscar).

Its secret weapon? Apple’s financial position. Unlike streamers battling debt, Apple can invest deeply in prestige projects and secure major assets like Live Sports, including coming F1 rights. The objective isn’t to have the most content, but to have the most talked-about content. You can also download Apple TV app for Android Play Store.

The 2026 Lineup: Your Watchlist Awaits

This year is packed with returning favorites and can’t-miss debuts. Here’s what should be on your radar.

Major Returning Series

• Shrinking (Season 3): The hit comedy-drama returns, with Jason Segel and the Emmy-winning Harrison Ford continuing their heartfelt, messy therapy practice. A flagship show for the service.

• Hijack (Season 2): Idris Elba is back as negotiator Sam Nelson, this time trapped on a Berlin train. A tense, real-time thriller that was a surprise smash.

• Severance (Season 3): The award-winning phenom that drove massive subscriber growth returns. Expect more chilling revelations about work-life balance.

• Slow Horses (Season 6): Gary Oldman’s Jackson Lamb and his band of misfit spies are back. This critical darling remains one of TV’s most consistently brilliant dramas.

• Tehran (Season 3): The gripping espionage thriller returns for another high-stakes season of Mossad operations.

• Drops of God (Season 2): The acclaimed, multilingual series about wine, family, and legacy is back for a second vintage.

New & Upcoming Projects

• Pluribus: The new series from Vince Gilligan, creator of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. This exploration of a “forced happiness” hive mind is arguably 2026’s most anticipated new show.

• The Savant: Starring Jessica Chastain, this series follows a woman who uses her unique skills to investigate cold cases.

• Cape Fear: A new adaptation of the psychological thriller, starring Amy Adams and Javier Bardem.

Watch Live Sports

2026 isn’t just about scripted TV. Apple is becoming a live sports destination. Alongside MLS and MLB Friday night games, the service secures exclusive U.S. rights to Formula 1 (F1) starts this year, a massive move to attract an international, engaged audience. Also check my step-by-guide about how to get Amazon Prime Video on Your TV.

How & Where to Watch Apple TV+

A major plus is its device flexibility. You don’t need an Apple product to subscribe.

1. On Apple Devices: The service is seamlessly integrated into the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV 4K.

2. On Smart TVs & Streaming Boxes: Look for the Apple TV app on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung, LG, Vizio, and others.

3. On Gaming Consoles: Available on PlayStation and Xbox.

4. On the Web: Watch directly in a browser at tv.apple.com.

5. On Windows: Download the Apple TV app for Windows from the Microsoft Store for a dedicated viewing experience on your PC.

Pricing, Plans, and the Best Way to Subscribe

• Save

• Standalone Plan: $12.99 per month. Includes 4K, HDR, Dolby Atmos, and simultaneous streams on up to 6 devices with two viewing sessions at a time.

• The Apple One Bundle: This is where most users find the best value. It bundles Apple TV+ with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and iCloud+ storage. The Individual plan starts at $25.95 monthly, effectively making TV+ a low-cost add-on.

• Free Trials: Apple often offers extended free trials (1-3 months) with the purchase of a new Apple device. Always check for current promotions.

Apple TV+ vs. The Competition: Where It Fits

My Verdict: You don’t get Apple TV+ for a bottomless catalog. You get it for relevant, high-caliber shows and movies you can’t watch anywhere else. Its engagement growth, evidenced by record viewing hours, shows this strategy is working.

Here’s how to watch live TV, Movies, and Shows on Xfinity stream app

Who is Apple TV+ Really For?

Subscribe if:

• You love polished, thought-provoking Apple Originals like Severance or Ted Lasso.

• You’re invested in the 2026 slate (Shrinking, Pluribus, F1).

• You already pay for Apple Music or need more iCloud storage (making the Apple One bundle a smart move).

• You prefer a smaller selection of highly curated content.

Skip it if:

• Your main objective is to browse a giant library of old sitcoms and movies.

• You primarily binge-watch and want dozens of seasons available at once.

• You aren’t interested in the specific shows on its upcoming slate.

FAQs About Apple TV+

Can I share my Apple TV+ subscription?
Yes, through Apple’s Family Sharing feature. You can share your subscription with up to five other family members across their own Apple IDs.

Do Apple TV+ shows release all at once?
Typically, no. Most series release one episode per week, which builds anticipation and community discussion. Some movies or limited series may drop all episodes at once.

What happened to the free year with a new device?
Apple has scaled this back but frequently offers extended free trials (1-3 months) with qualifying hardware purchases. You can check Apple’s website for the latest offer.

Is the content on Apple TV+ family-friendly?
It provides a mix. While it has excellent family content like Slumberkins and Pretzel and the Puppies, it also has mature dramas like Slow Horses and The New Look. Robust parental controls are available on all devices.

How does the F1 deal work?
About to start in 2026, Apple TV+ will be the exclusive U.S. home for all Formula 1 races, qualifying, and practice sessions. This is a separate, premium addition likely require an extra subscription fee on top of your Apple TV+ base plan.

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