Photo CNET
Best Ways to Get and Watch Apple TV+ - Photo CNET

Apple’s big push into original programming begins today with the launch of Apple TV Plus. The service costs $4.99 per month, but if you’ve bought an iPhone, iPad, or Mac recently, you’re likely eligible to stream it for the entire first year at no cost. It’s a pretty crafty move on Apple’s part, especially since the lineup of shows is still relatively short on day one. Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon are years deep into original productions.

Even $4.99 for an unproven catalog would be a tough sell for some, but a whole lot of people aren’t even going to have to think about it; they’ll just have it.

How to get the Apple TV+ app on my television and devices

Photo The Verge
Photo The Verge

You watch Apple TV+ via the Apple TV app – which means you can watch it on a range of Apple devices but also on compatible TVs and streaming sticks.

If you have an iPhone, iPad or Mac, you’ll have the Apple TV app pre-loaded.

If you own a Smart TV from providers such as Samsung, LG, Sony or Vizio, you can also download the Apple TV app to them and watch on your television. To check if your television is supported, go to the apps section on your TV and look for the Apple TV app.

If you want to watch Apple TV+ through your TV but it doesn’t support the app, you can either buy a streaming stick such as Roku or Amazon’s Fire TV Stick, which plug into your TV or buy the Apple TV HD box for £149.00.

The app is also now available on PlayStation and Xbox after many had been asking for it to be added there since it originally launched.

Subscribers to Apple TV+ can watch Apple original shows both online and offline.

How to get Apple TV+ app on my Samsung TV

It is worth noting here that not all Samsung TVs will be able to support Apple TV+ and if you have an older model, there is a strong chance you will be out of luck. But here are the steps to follow if you want to install it and check whether your TV has it.

Find where the Samsung app store is on your TV. If you search it and it does not appear, then, sadly, your TV is not compatible with it and you will need to either access it via a console or a fire stick.

Select Apple TV+ and install it.

Open it up and choose to start watching.

The easiest way to sign up is to do it via a web browser, but you can put all your information in here and take advantage of the 7-day free trial.

If you are signing up through the app, you will be able to start watching once that is done. Alternatively, if you have signed up beforehand, you will see quick sign-in options that will allow you to connect with a numerical code or QR code with an apple device.

READ MORE: 12 Amazing FACTS about SAMSUNG

How to watch the free Apple TV+ shows

Photo 9to5mac
Photo 9to5mac

The TV app is the exclusive destination for Apple TV+, but the TV app is a little confusing because it blends together purchasable TV shows and movies from the iTunes Store, which you can buy or rent, the integration of content from other apps like Amazon Prime and BBC iPlayer, and Apple TV Channels.

The Watch Now screen does not really distinguish between content that you own and can watch, and just Apple’s general recommendations.

The easiest way to get started with Apple TV+ is to open the Apple TV app on your device, and tap on the Originals tab. (On some platforms, this tab is simply labelled using the ‘tv+’ logo.)

This tab takes you to the Apple TV+ channel page. This screen shows you all of the Apple TV+ shows and movies available to watch, separated into categories like comedy, drama and family fun.

Note that tv.apple.com is very stripped down compared to the native TV app on devices, and it only shows Apple original content. Both the website and the Mac TV app lack key features like the ability to skip intro or automatic next episode suggestions when you finish an episode.

What channels can I watch on Apple TV+?

As well as its own original series, the Apple TV app gives you access to UK streaming services including BBC iPlayer, All 4 and ITV Hub, plus a dedicated kids’ section and, according to Apple, “thousands of films, including the latest blockbusters from iTunes. Now you can buy, rent and watch, all from inside the app”.

Apple has also partnered with networks including HBO, Showtime and Starz, aiming to act as a gateway to their content via a new service known as Apple TV Channels, which appears to be a similar service to that already offered by Amazon as part of its Amazon Channels programme.

Netflix, however, has already confirmed that it will not participate in this ‘bundle’ offer: chief executive Reed Hastings said in March that Netflix “has chosen not to integrate with [Apple’s] service.”

READ MORE: Top 30 Best Movies On Netflix of All Time

What Apple TV+ shows and movies can I watch?

Alt-future sci-fi show For All Mankind returns for its second season this month

The first wave of programming available on the service when it launched showed that Apple TV was going to be a contender when it comes to original programming with some huge names attached to several of their projects.

The Morning Show starring Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Anniston and Steve Carrell, and Jason Momoa’s See were two of the first alongside For All Mankind and Dickinson.

Other projects that the streamer now has included:

The Helpsters, a spin-off from Sesame Street

A cartoon titled Snoopy in Space

A children’s programme titled Ghostwriter

The Elephant Queen, a documentary about the mother of a hero

Servant, a thriller from the Sixth Sense director M N Shyamala

Mystery-drama Truth Be Told

Little America by married writers Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon

The Banker, a film based on a true story by Samuel L. Jackson

Hala, a film produced by Jada Pinkett Smith

Other projects in the pipeline are:

Photo Apple TV
Photo Apple TV

A revived Steven Spielberg anthology series called Amazing Stories.

A mystery thriller starring Oscar winner Octavia Spencer called Are You Sleeping?

A comedy series from the stars and producers of hit sitcom It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Little Voice, a series from Star Wars director JJ Abrams and singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. The series will explore the story of one woman finding her voice through music

a TV series from La La Land and Whiplash’s Damien Chazelle

An adaptation of Terry Gilliam’s 1981 film Time Bandits

an adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s science fiction novel Foundation.

Dolly, a courtroom drama with the twist of having Florence Pugh signed up to play a robot

‘The Earth Changed ‘The Earth Changed' to Premiere on Earth Day on APPLE TV+

This year, the Earth Day will fall on Thursday, April 22. ‘The Earth Changed' to Premiere on Earth Day on APPLE TV+ is one of ...

Apple TV Plus Guide: Cost, Sign up, What to Stream, Devices, Q&A Apple TV Plus Guide: Cost, Sign up, What to Stream, Devices, Q&A

Apple has joined the likes of Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max with its own exclusive streaming service, Apple TV+. What is ...

‘Cherry’ on Apple TV+: Schedule, Tom Holland cast, Plot, Trailer and More ‘Cherry’ on Apple TV+: Schedule, Tom Holland cast, Plot, Trailer and More

Tom Holland once embraced his dark side in his new movie "Cherry", that arrived on Apple TV this Friday. To all the thriller lovers, this ...