Feeling the Pinch from Apple Disappointing Price Hike? Discover if TV+ is Still Worth Your Money.

With Its Incredible Award-Winning Shows, is the New Apple TV+ Price an Amazing Entertainment Bargain?

Apple has increased the monthly cost for its streaming service, Apple TV+. The price has gone up by $3 in the United States, bringing the new monthly subscription fee to $12.99. This 30% increase also applies to other international regions. This change took effect on August 21, 2025, for anyone signing up for the service for the first time. If you are already a subscriber, you will see the new price on your bill within 30 days of your next renewal date.

This price change feels sudden for many users, but it is part of a larger trend in the streaming world. Several major services have also raised their prices over the last few years as they spend more on creating new shows and movies.

However, there is some good news for long-term users. The price for the annual Apple TV+ subscription has not changed. It remains $99.99 per year. Additionally, the cost of Apple One bundles, which package Apple TV+ with other services like Apple Music and iCloud+, will also stay the same. This makes these options a better value if you plan to stick with the service or already use other Apple products.

Why Your Bill is Going Up

Apple explains that the higher price reflects the growth of its content library. The company has invested heavily in creating hundreds of original shows and movies, offering thousands of hours of high-quality programming. Since it first launched, Apple TV+ has consistently added new titles every week. These additions span many genres, from compelling dramas and science fiction epics to lighthearted comedies and live sports.

A key feature of Apple TV+ is that it remains completely ad-free. It is now one of the only major streaming platforms that does not have a cheaper plan with commercials. This focus on an uninterrupted viewing experience is a major part of its appeal and a factor in its pricing decisions.

The service has also earned significant critical acclaim. Apple TV+ productions have received numerous awards and nominations, with shows like Severance and Ted Lasso becoming massive hits. This success has helped establish the platform as a creator of premium, must-watch television. Behind the scenes, there may be financial reasons for the price hike as well. Reports from earlier in the year suggested the service was losing more than $1 billion annually, putting pressure on Apple to make it more profitable.

How Apple TV+ Compares to Other Services

With the new $12.99 price, it is important to see how Apple TV+ stands against its competitors. The streaming market is crowded, and each service offers something different.

Apple TV+ ($12.99/month)

Its main strength is high-quality, exclusive original content. The library is smaller than its rivals, but the shows and movies are often award-winning and have high production values. It is a good choice if you prefer a curated selection of premium, ad-free programming.

Netflix (Ad-free plans are similarly priced or higher)

Netflix is known for its enormous library. It offers a massive quantity of shows, movies, and documentaries from around the world. If you want the largest possible selection and endless options, Netflix remains a top contender.

Disney+ (Ad-free plans are in a similar price range)

This service is essential for fans of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. Its library is focused on these powerful franchises, making it a must-have for families and fans of those specific universes.

Amazon Prime Video (Included with Prime)

Prime Video offers a huge volume of content, but its value is tied to the broader Amazon Prime subscription. The library is a mix of originals and licensed content, similar to Netflix.

Peacock & Paramount+ (Ad-free plans are similar or slightly less)

These services also have their own original shows and deep back catalogs from their parent companies (NBCUniversal and Paramount), often costing a little less than Apple TV+’s new price.

Is Apple TV+ Still the Right Choice for You?

Deciding whether to keep your Apple TV+ subscription depends entirely on what you value in a streaming service. There is no single right answer, but asking yourself a few questions can help you make a clear choice.

First, how much do you watch and enjoy Apple’s original shows? If you are a big fan of series like The Morning Show, Silo, or For All Mankind and look forward to new releases, then the service likely still offers great value for you. You are paying for exclusive access to high-end productions you cannot find anywhere else.

Second, consider how important an ad-free experience is to you. If you dislike interruptions, Apple TV+’s commitment to zero commercials is a significant benefit that other platforms are moving away from.

Finally, think about how you pay for the service. If you are a monthly subscriber who only watches occasionally, the price hike might feel steep. In that case, you might consider subscribing for a month or two when a show you want to see is released and then canceling. However, if you are committed to the platform for the long haul, switching to the annual plan will save you money. The yearly cost of $99.99 breaks down to about $8.33 per month, which is much lower than the new monthly rate. Similarly, if you use other Apple services, the Apple One bundle remains the most cost-effective way to get Apple TV+ alongside other subscriptions.