Apple TV+ is a streaming service, while Apple TV is a hardware device and app platform; they serve different purposes in Apple’s ecosystem.
Understanding the Core Difference Between Apple TV+ and Apple TV
Apple TV+ and Apple TV often get confused because of their similar names, but they are fundamentally different. Apple TV+ is a subscription-based streaming service launched by Apple in November 2019. It offers original shows, movies, and documentaries produced exclusively for the platform. Think of it as Apple’s answer to Netflix or Disney+, focusing on exclusive content.
On the other hand, Apple TV refers to both a physical device—a digital media player—and an app platform available on various devices. The Apple TV hardware connects to your television and allows you to stream content from multiple sources, including Apple TV+, Netflix, Hulu, and more. Meanwhile, the Apple TV app acts as a hub for accessing all your purchased or rented movies and shows, plus subscriptions like Apple TV+.
Despite sharing the “Apple TV” name, one is a service (Apple TV+) and the other is both a device and an app ecosystem (Apple TV). This distinction is crucial for anyone navigating Apple’s video offerings.
Apple TV+: The Streaming Service Explained
Apple TV+ operates as a standalone streaming platform with its own original programming. It does not host third-party content like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video; instead, it focuses on exclusive series, films, and documentaries that you can’t find anywhere else.
Subscribers pay a monthly fee to access this content library. The service features high-profile productions starring well-known actors and directors. Shows like Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, and See have received critical acclaim and helped establish Apple TV+ as a serious contender in streaming.
One standout feature of Apple TV+ is its emphasis on quality over quantity. Unlike other services that boast thousands of titles, Apple curates a smaller but highly polished catalog with new releases regularly added to keep subscribers engaged.
How to Access Apple TV+
You can watch Apple TV+ through several means:
- The Apple TV app on iPhones, iPads, Macs, smart TVs (Samsung, LG), Roku devices, Amazon Fire Stick.
- Through web browsers at tv.apple.com.
- Via the physical Apple TV device connected to your television.
This flexibility ensures that users aren’t locked into one ecosystem just to enjoy Apple’s original shows.
Apple TV: Hardware Device and App Platform
The term “Apple TV” also refers to a small digital media player sold by Apple. This box plugs into your television via HDMI and connects to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Once connected, it allows you to stream content from various apps—not just Apple’s own services but also third-party platforms like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and more.
The latest generation of the device supports 4K HDR video output and includes Siri voice control for easy navigation. It also integrates with other smart home devices through Apple’s HomeKit system.
Besides being hardware, “Apple TV” is also the name of an app available across many devices beyond the physical box itself:
- Smartphones (iOS)
- Computers (macOS)
- Smart TVs from various manufacturers
- Streaming sticks like Roku or Fire Stick
The app aggregates purchased movies or shows from iTunes along with subscriptions such as Apple TV+, offering one-stop access for all your video content.
The Role of the Apple TV App
The app acts as a centralized hub where users can browse their entire media library—both purchased content from iTunes Store and streaming subscriptions including Apple TV+. It also recommends new shows based on user preferences across multiple providers.
This means you don’t need an actual physical Apple TV device to enjoy much of what the platform offers; many smart TVs come pre-installed with or support downloading this app.
Comparing Features: Apple TV+ vs. Apple TV Device & App
| Aspect | Apple TV+ | Apple TV (Device & App) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Streaming subscription service | Digital media player hardware & app platform |
| Main Functionality | Access exclusive original video content | Stream content from multiple apps/services including Apple TV+ |
| Availability | Available via app/web on various devices | A physical device sold by Apple plus an app on multiple platforms |
| Content Library Size | Limited but exclusive original productions only | No native library; depends on installed apps/subscriptions |
| User Interface Focus | Simplified browsing of original content only | A hub aggregating multiple streaming services & purchases |
| Subscription Required? | Yes – monthly fee for access | No – device/app free but requires subscriptions for services used within it |
| Siri Integration & Smart Features? | No direct device integration required; available via apps with voice control support depending on device used. | Siri-enabled remote control included with hardware; smart home integration supported. |
| Price Point (as of 2024) | $6.99/month (varies by region) | $129-$199 depending on model for hardware; free app download elsewhere. |
| User Base Focused On: | Cord-cutters wanting exclusive originals without ads. | Binge-watchers wanting unified access across platforms/devices. |
The Evolution of Naming: Why Confusion Exists?
The confusion between “Apple TV” and “Apple TV+” stems largely from branding choices made by Apple. Before launching its streaming service in 2019 under the name “Apple TV+,” the company had already been selling its digital media player under “Apple TV” since 2007.
When introducing its premium streaming service focused on original programming, adding the “plus” suffix was meant to differentiate it yet still leverage existing brand recognition tied to video entertainment within Apple’s ecosystem.
However, many consumers naturally lump these two together due to their names’ similarity—leading to widespread questions about whether they’re one and the same or separate offerings entirely.
The Role Each Plays in Apple’s Ecosystem Strategy
Apple’s strategy revolves around creating seamless integration between hardware products and software services. The physical Apple TV box serves as an entry point into this ecosystem by bringing internet video directly onto traditional televisions while supporting Apple’s broader smart home ambitions through HomeKit compatibility.
Meanwhile, Apple TV+ represents Apple’s push into original content creation—a move designed not only to attract subscribers but also bolster loyalty among users tied into its ecosystem through iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other devices.
Together they complement each other but do not replace one another:
- The hardware/app provides broad access across many sources.
- The streaming service provides unique entertainment exclusive only within that ecosystem.
The Impact of Bundling Services Like Apple One
To enhance user retention further, many opt for bundled subscriptions under “Apple One,” which packages services such as:
- Apple Music (music streaming)
- iCloud storage (cloud backup)
- Apple Arcade (gaming)
- And notably—Apple TV+
This bundling strategy encourages users who already own an iPhone or Mac—and possibly an Apple TV box—to subscribe seamlessly without juggling multiple accounts or payment methods.
Your Viewing Experience: How They Work Together Seamlessly
If you own an actual Apple TV device or use the app elsewhere:
- You can subscribe directly inside it to get full access to all shows on Apple TV+.
- You’ll find your purchased movies alongside shows included in your subscription within one interface.
- Siri voice commands help you search across all installed apps simultaneously—even pulling up results from non-Apple sources.
- You can download episodes offline for viewing without internet connection if supported by your subscription plan.
- The interface updates regularly with new recommendations based on viewing habits across all linked accounts.
This unified experience means owning an Apple TV product enhances how you consume Apple TV+ content—but again doesn’t mean they are identical things.
The Pricing Breakdown: What You Pay For Each?
| Name | Description/Cost Structure | Additional Costs? |
|---|---|---|
| Apple TV+ | $6.99/month subscription giving unlimited access to originals only. | No ads; no additional fees unless renting/purchasing extra titles outside originals. |
| Apple TV Device | $129-$199 one-time purchase depending on model (HD vs 4K). | Requires internet connection; subscriptions needed separately for other streaming apps used within it. |
| Apple TV App | Free download available across many platforms; no cost unless subscribing inside app services like Apple TV+. | Dependent entirely on subscriptions linked inside the app environment. |
The Verdict – Is Apple TV+ The Same As Apple TV?
The short answer is no—they are not the same thing at all despite confusingly similar names. Apple TV+ is purely a subscription-based streaming service focusing exclusively on original video productions created by or licensed directly by Apple.
Meanwhile, Apple TV refers primarily either to:
- a physical media player designed for TVs that streams from multiple sources;
- a versatile app platform aggregating purchased videos plus subscriptions including Apple TV+.
Understanding this difference helps avoid frustration when signing up or purchasing products associated with either term. They work hand-in-hand beautifully but serve very distinct purposes within Apple’s entertainment landscape.
If you want fresh original series without ads at a low monthly cost accessible anywhere—go straight for Apple TV+.
If you want a dedicated set-top box that brings numerous streaming options together onto your big screen along with smart home features—the physical Apple TV device makes perfect sense.
And if convenience matters most—using the free app across existing gadgets might be enough without buying extra hardware.
With these clear distinctions in mind now laid out fully here—you’ll never mix up these two again!
Key Takeaways: Is Apple TV+ The Same As Apple TV?
➤ Apple TV+ is a streaming service with original content.
➤ Apple TV is a device and app to access various content.
➤ Apple TV+ requires a subscription for exclusive shows.
➤ Apple TV app aggregates content from multiple sources.
➤ They serve different purposes but are part of Apple’s ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple TV+ the same as Apple TV hardware?
No, Apple TV+ is a streaming service offering original shows and movies, while Apple TV is a physical device that connects to your television. The device allows you to stream content from multiple services, including Apple TV+, Netflix, and others.
Does Apple TV+ work only on the Apple TV device?
No, Apple TV+ can be accessed through the Apple TV app available on iPhones, iPads, Macs, smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, and web browsers. The Apple TV device is just one of many ways to watch Apple TV+ content.
What is the main difference between Apple TV+ and the Apple TV app?
Apple TV+ is a subscription streaming service with exclusive content. The Apple TV app serves as a hub to access purchased or rented movies and shows from various sources, including subscriptions like Apple TV+. They serve different functions within Apple’s ecosystem.
Can I watch other streaming services on the Apple TV device besides Apple TV+?
Yes, the Apple TV hardware supports multiple streaming apps such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. It acts as a media player that aggregates various services into one interface for convenient viewing.
Why do people often confuse Apple TV+ with Apple TV?
The confusion arises because both share similar names but represent different products. Apple TV+ is a streaming service launched in 2019, whereas Apple TV refers to both a physical media player device and an app platform for accessing content across devices.