Apple TV vs Apple TV+: What’s the Difference?
Apple TV or Apple TV+? This guide breaks down their core differences, features, and how they impact your streaming platform decisions.
Apple has remained a remarkable platform with its offerings in the TV segment over the past few decades.The presence of Apple TV has allowed for an incredible viewing of shows and content released as like what a typical television set has to offer. With that being said, Apple has distinguished its business model of what it offers in Apple TV to that of Apple TV+.
Although the + might be the only real difference maker while we read it, the significance and the service difference is humungous. Let us dive in and understand the difference between Apple TV and Apple TV+ from an indepth perspective.
Overview of Apple TV
Apple TV is a physical device that connects to the television of the user via HDMI cable and combines with the existing WiFi network to provide several apps, online applications and even streaming programs.
Apple TV is one of the largest mediums that centralizes streaming giants like Netflix, HBO and other OTT streaming applications to the global viewers. The device is a preferred choice for gamers, who can try their luck with Apple Arcade that takes gaming experience to the next level.
Apple TV also comes with a modern 4K resolution variant, which makes a premium experience with the highest quality of viewing media.
Apple TV is a regular platform that comes in a variety of models that offers a variety of viewing experience. For instance, the Apple TV HD offers a comprehensive full high-definition streaming, while an Apple TV 4K offers a supreme 4K viewing experience. The rest of the streaming options remain constant.
Overview of Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is an online streaming service that works with a subscription model in place. As a viewer, one gets to experience a large array of original TV shows, documentaries and other streaming options galore.
Unlike Apple TV, the Apple TV+ is a dedicated attempt from Apple to break into the world of HD streaming and OTT-specific experience. Viewers can browse a massive library of videos, shows and content that are available under subscription model.
Apple TV+ doesn't need the basic cable subscription and runs via streaming OTT service. Users with subscription and a stable internet connection have unlimited access to shows and programs with the consistently upgrading library of the platform. From offering content in various genres to languages, Apple TV+ is a producer-friendly platform that forecasts shows and series produced impeccably. This has allowed Apple TV+ consumer base by a whopping 47 million today.
Apple TV+ is a streaming service that’s available via the Apple TV app. This means, viewers can use different Apple devices like iPhones and Macbooks to access all the streaming platforms for both online and downloadable content viewing.
Difference between Apple TV and Apple TV+
Apple TV and Apple TV+ has more than one notable fundamental difference that distinguishes how viewers consume various media content. Not just the hardware or the streaming rights, there is more to laying the fundamental difference in these products that includes the following:
Main Difference- Apple TV: Picture Apple TV as the typical TV centric physical device that combines digital entertainment and offers a plethora of apps and digital content services under a single umbrella. The main use case of the device is to enhance TV viewing experience along with the products.
- Apple TV+: Apple TV+ offers a subscription based online streaming content that combines both original and pre-published content source in the mix. In general, Apple TV+ primarily focuses on a platform independent focus on quality produced by Apple. Unlike Apple TV, this offers an ad-free streaming assurance which has multiple subscription models of viewing.
- Apple TV: Apple TV devices are available in accordance to the model and set of options a consumer wants. For instance, the Apple TV 4K is a model that works best with a 4K viewing device, whereas the Apple TV HD offers an immersive HD viewing experience. In terms of pricing, the price of the WiFi and Ethernet device comes for USD 149 for 128GB storage and the only WiFi model comes for USD 129 with a modest 64 GB storage. Additionally, users can pay a monthly rental of USD 24.83 for 6 months with WiFi and Ethernet model and USD 21.50 for 6 months for only WiFi ones.
- Apple TV+: Apple TV+ is available across different Apple devices for free for the first 3 months. Post this, a monthly subscription of USD 9.99 is charged after a free 7-day trial. In addition, users can combine other Apple bundles using the Apple One, which combines for a single monthly subscription starting at USD 19.95 per month.
- Apple TV: While considering integration, Apple TV offers viewing and seamless switching of the devices between other Apple devices at any point of time. This helps in switching from various devices like Macbook to TV to even an iPhone.
- Apple TV+: Apple TV+ doesn't depend on hardware options and instead can be viewed within any devices having a MAC OS umbrella. This is a streaming platform and continues to offer seamless viewing of content across all the Apple devices.
- Apple TV: Apple TV offers easy connection with devices using HDMI port to begin with. This allows to enhance TV viewing experience and eases device-based viewing of programs. In addition, Apple TV is a device specific entity, meaning the user requires specification while purchasing for his/her HD or 4K viewing device.
- Apple TV+: Apple TV+ has a larger compatibility umbrella that spans across all types of devices. This can be viewed on the Apple TV set and even be used under the popular Apple TV app as well. Users via generic web browsers and an Apple TV+ account can also view all the products with ease. In the end, the compatibility factors make Apple TV+ a more preferred variant than the stand-alone Apple TV set.
- Apple TV: Apple TV hosts a plethora of online OTT and streaming content across several well-famed platforms like Hulu and Netflix, just to name a few. This device is a platform that allows users to rent or even buy data from some pay-per-view content. The cluster and viewing experience within a platform is what Apple TV truly stands for.
- Apple TV+: On the contrary, Apple TV+ offers exclusive content and shows created specifically for and by Apple’s associates. This is a more production-centric venture and the shows are mostly exclusive to Apple TV+ users only. From dramas to horror to documentaries, all the content produced are made exclusively for Apple TV+ users only.
Apple TV vs Apple TV+ at a Glance
| Feature | Apple TV | Apple TV+ |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Physical streaming device | Online streaming subscription service |
| Functionality | Aggregates multiple OTT platforms and apps via HDMI | Streams Apple Originals and exclusive content |
| Content Source | Third-party platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO, etc. | Only Apple-produced or licensed exclusive content |
| Subscription | One-time purchase (device-based) | $9.99/month after free trial (3 months free on Apple devices) |
| Integration | Integrates with Apple ecosystem; HDMI required | Streamable on all Apple devices and browsers |
| Resolution Options | HD and 4K variants available | Dependent on device capability |
| Target Audience | Viewers wanting a central hub for apps and streaming | Viewers seeking original and ad-free Apple content |
How does Enveu help boost your Apple TV Content Management?
In the ever-evolving landscape of Apple TV, you as a Content Creator would plan to make an impact with your digital media to showcase seamlessly. Afterall, with a cumulative brand of over 75 million and continuously growing user base, this is the platform you as a producer would prefer to make an impact on.
As streaming content in Apple TV, you need a platform that’s both reliable, marketable and provides you with the right set of feedback. These three points emphasise the growth of your OTT streaming across Apple TV interface. To sort all the features in one platform, Envue stands tall in helping you streamline your Content to the next level in Apple TV platform.
Envue offers a no-coding platform that has a customizable app interface, which also combines with deep integration inside the large Apple ecosystem. In addition, you as a producer can opt in smart monetization and in-app purchase features to streamline your source of income with the product. With that being said, here are some features offered by Envue:
- User Profile Management: Manage large number of user profiles
- Easy to Search: Make your content discoverable and appear in appropriate recommendation lists.
- Parental Control: Option for safeguarding adult content to young viewers.
- Multi-language assurance: Discover content across various niche and language
- Analytics Overview: Keep a track on what’s working and not.
- Seamless and High-Quality Playback: Offering a high-quality streaming technology for excellent viewing.
Final Thoughts
As the line between hardware and streaming services continues to blur, Apple has managed to craft two powerful offerings—Apple TV and Apple TV+—each catering to unique user needs. For content creators, this presents an exciting opportunity to reach a global audience with immersive, high-quality content.
With Enveu by your side, building and managing your own Apple TV app becomes simpler than ever.
Our no-code, customizable platform ensures your content stands out, performs flawlessly, and reaches the right audience at the right time.
🚀 Kickstart your Apple TV content journey with Enveu today. Explore Now »
FAQs
Can I access Apple TV+ content on a regular Apple TV device?
Yes, Apple TV+ content can be accessed through the Apple TV device using the Apple TV app. Once you subscribe to Apple TV+, you can stream its original shows and movies directly on your Apple TV hardware, along with other Apple devices.
What devices are compatible with Apple TV and Apple TV+?
Apple TV (the device) requires a TV with an HDMI port and works best with other Apple ecosystem products. Apple TV+ is more flexible—it can be accessed on iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TV devices, select smart TVs, game consoles, and via web browsers like Safari and Chrome.
What sets Apple TV+ apart in terms of content curation?
Apple TV+ focuses exclusively on original, ad-free content created or commissioned by Apple. Unlike other platforms, it emphasizes high production quality, storytelling, and unique series or films not available elsewhere—curated for a premium viewing experience.
How is Enveu helpful for content creators on Apple TV?
Enveu offers a no-code platform for launching, managing, and monetizing your content on Apple TV. With features like customizable interfaces, smart monetization, analytics, and parental control, Enveu simplifies the process of building and scaling your OTT presence.