Apple TV+ normally runs $9.99/month, but there are at least nine legitimate ways to get it free — some for as long as six months. Whether you're buying a new iPhone, switching carriers, or just want a trial before committing, the options are broader than most people realize. If you're building out your streaming stack, it's also worth pairing this with streaming service bundles or checking how to get free Apple Music at the same time. Let's get started!
Quick Answer
You can get Apple TV+ free through at least nine legitimate methods, including a free trial with new Apple device purchases (iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV), carrier deals like T-Mobile or Verizon promotions, or student discounts. Some offers last up to six months. Apple TV+ normally costs $9.99/month.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 7-Day Free Trial | Free (then $9.99/month) | Anyone wanting a quick test before subscribing | Visit Site |
| 3-Month Trial with New Apple Device | Free with device purchase | New iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV buyers | Visit Site |
| 6 Months Free with T-Mobile Go5G Plans | Free (Go5G plan required) | T-Mobile subscribers on Go5G or higher | Visit Site |
| 3 Months Free with Roku Devices | Free with Roku device | Roku device owners activating Apple TV+ | Visit Site |
| Extended Trials via Wireless Carriers | Free (varies by carrier/plan) | New wireless subscribers switching carriers | Visit Site |
| Promotional Partnerships | Free (limited-time offers) | Deal-hunters watching for brand collaborations | See details |
| Student Plan Trial | Free trial (then discounted rate) | College and university students | See details |
| Carrier Perks for Existing Customers | Free (included in select plans) | Existing carrier customers on premium plans | Visit Site |
| Apple Authorized Reseller Deals | Free with qualifying purchase | Shoppers buying Apple gear at resellers | Visit Site |
9 Ways to Get Apple TV+ for Free in 2026
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
1. Standard 7-Day Free Trial
The quickest way to get Apple TV+ free is through Apple's standard 7-day trial, available directly at tv.apple.com. Any new subscriber who hasn't previously used Apple TV+ can sign up, stream unlimited content, and cancel before the trial ends without being charged. After the trial, the subscription costs $9.99/month.
What you get:
- Full access to all Apple Originals (Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show)
- Cancel anytime before day 7 to avoid charges
- Available on all Apple devices, Smart TVs, and web browsers
2. 3-Month Trial with New Apple Device
Purchasing a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, or iPod touch unlocks a complimentary 3-month Apple TV+ subscription — one of the most generous free access offers Apple provides. This is redeemable within 90 days of activating your new device and doesn't require a credit card for the trial period itself.
Key details:
- Eligible devices: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K, iPod touch
- Must redeem within 90 days of device activation
- Converts to $9.99/month billing after the 3-month period ends
3. 6 Months Free with T-Mobile Go5G Plans
T-Mobile customers on Go5G or Go5G Plus plans can claim six months of Apple TV+ at no extra cost, making it one of the longest carrier-based free trials available. To activate, T-Mobile subscribers visit the T-Mobile Tuesday app or the dedicated Apple TV+ offer page and redeem using their T-Mobile account credentials.
Notable perks:
- Six full months free — no credit card required for the Apple TV+ portion
- Eligible on Go5G and Go5G Plus postpaid plans
- After 6 months, standard $9.99/month Apple TV+ rate applies unless cancelled
4. 3 Months Free with Roku Devices
Purchasing a new Roku streaming device unlocks three months of Apple TV+ at no charge, making it one of the longer free access windows available through hardware bundles. This promotion applies to select Roku devices and requires redeeming the offer within 30 days of activation. It's ideal for cord-cutters already considering a Roku purchase who want to stretch the free streaming period.
Key details:
- 3 months free (vs. standard 7-day trials elsewhere)
- Must activate offer within 30 days of device setup
- Requires a valid Apple ID to redeem
5. Extended Trials via Wireless Carriers
Several major wireless carriers offer Apple TV+ free for an extended period as a perk for their mobile customers, making this one of the easiest ways to access the service without paying. T-Mobile, for example, has bundled Apple TV+ access into select unlimited plans, giving subscribers months of free streaming simply by being existing customers.
What to check:
- T-Mobile Magenta and Go5G plans have included Apple TV+ at no extra cost
- Trial lengths typically range from 3 to 12 months depending on the promotion
- Check your carrier's app or account dashboard to claim the offer
6. Promotional Partnerships
Apple periodically partners with brands outside the tech world to offer complimentary Apple TV+ access as part of limited-time deals. Past promotions have included offers through credit card rewards programs, hotel loyalty memberships, and consumer electronics purchases beyond just Apple hardware.
Notable perks:
- Some American Express cardholders have received Apple TV+ credits through Amex Offers
- Promotions are time-sensitive — check DealNews regularly for active deals
- No device purchase required for most partnership-based offers
7. Student Plan Trial
Apple's student pricing through Apple Music for Students bundles Apple TV+ at no additional charge, giving enrolled students a legitimate path to free access alongside other Apple services. Students pay a reduced rate for Apple Music — currently around $5.99/month — and Apple TV+ is included in that subscription at no extra cost.
Eligibility details:
- Must verify enrollment through UNiDAYS or SheerID
- Available to college and university students in supported countries
- Effectively makes Apple TV+ free on top of a discounted music plan
8. Carrier Perks for Existing Customers
Several wireless carriers offer Apple TV+ access as a loyalty benefit, meaning you may already be entitled to a free subscription without realizing it. T-Mobile's Go5G Plus and Go5G Next plans include Apple TV+ at no added charge for existing and new subscribers. This is one of the easiest ways to access the streaming service if you're already paying for a compatible phone plan — no device purchase required.
Notable perks:
- T-Mobile Go5G Plus/Next: Apple TV+ included at no extra cost
- Check your carrier's app or account dashboard to claim the benefit
- Some plans require manual activation through a promo link
9. Apple Authorized Reseller Deals
Retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Costco occasionally bundle Apple TV+ trial offers or gift cards when you purchase Apple hardware, giving you another avenue to score free streaming time. These promotions typically align with major sales events like Black Friday or back-to-school season. While not guaranteed year-round, checking DealNews before buying Apple products from resellers can surface limited-time bundles that include complimentary Apple TV+ access alongside your purchase.
Key features:
- Best Buy and Costco bundles can include Apple gift cards redeemable for subscriptions
- Promotions are seasonal — highest availability during holiday shopping periods
Final Words
Getting Apple TV+ free is easier than most people realize, with nine legitimate routes ranging from device bundles to carrier perks. Start with the option that matches what you already own or subscribe to, and if you're building a broader streaming setup, explore free Netflix access alongside it.