Apple sometimes offers a 3-month free trial of Apple TV+ when you buy a new Apple device. If you’re eligible, it’s a solid way to try out the streaming service before committing. Below is how it works, eligibility details, caveats, and tips to make sure you don’t miss out.
What Is the 3-Month Offer?
- If you purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Mac (or other eligible Apple device) from Apple or an Apple-authorized reseller, you may get 3 months of Apple TV+ for free (if you redeem the offer within 90 days of device activation).
- The trial is for new or qualified returning subscribers only, and you can’t already be using Apple TV+ via another active subscription.
- After the 3 months, the subscription automatically renews at the regular rate (currently $12.99/month in the U.S.) unless you cancel.
- The offer must be claimed (redeemed) within 90 days of setting up your new device.
How to Redeem the 3-Month Offer
Here’s a step-by-step:
- Buy an eligible new Apple device (from Apple or an authorized reseller).
- Set up the device and sign in with your Apple ID.
- Open the Apple TV app on that device. Make sure the OS is up to date (iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, macOS).
- The offer should appear automatically. If it doesn’t, go to the Apple TV+ tab in the app and look for the “Enjoy 3 Months Free” prompt.
- Tap “Enjoy 3 Months Free” to activate the trial.
- Once activated, you can use Apple TV+ on that device and any other device via your Apple ID.
Important Terms & Restrictions
- You must claim the offer within 90 days of first activating the eligible device.
- The offer is not available if you or your Family (via Family Sharing) have previously used the 3-month or 1-year free trial.
- If you cancel during the free period, you lose access immediately and cannot restart the trial.
- Only one free trial offer per Apple ID / per family, regardless of how many devices you buy.
- After the free period, you’ll be charged monthly unless you cancel.
- The trial can’t be combined with other offers (like Apple One or overlapping free trials) in many cases.
Why You Might Not See the Offer & Troubleshooting
- If you already had Apple TV+ before (even via a short trial), your account may no longer be eligible for the 3-month offer. (People in forums report that once you’ve used any Apple TV+ trial, you may not get another free one.)
- The offer sometimes doesn’t show up immediately — make sure your device is fully updated and try restarting the Apple TV app.Community+3Reddit+3
- Double-check that you’re signed in with the same Apple ID used on the device setup.
- Make sure the device was bought new (not refurbished or used) and from an authorized seller.
- If the free trial doesn’t appear, you may contact Apple Support and ask whether your account or device is eligible.
Additional Ways to Get Apple TV+ for Free / Discounted
While the 3-month new-device offer is one of the most generous, here are some other options:
- Apple’s standard 7-day free trial for new subscribers.
- Apple One bundle: You can sometimes get a 1-month trial of Apple One (which includes TV+) if you haven’t used it before.
- Student plans: If you’re a verified college student, Apple offers a student Apple Music plan, which includes Apple TV+.
- Promotions via carriers or partners: Occasionally, wireless carriers or device manufacturers offer bundled Apple TV+ deals.
- Limited promotional pricing: Occasionally, Apple will offer discounted monthly rates or trial extensions (e.g. $2.99/month for the first 3 months in a past promotion).
Tips to Maximize Your Free Period
- Mark your calendar with the end date (3 months later) to avoid surprise charges.
- Watch high-priority shows first—Apple adds new originals weekly, so be sure to catch the ones that interest you.
- If you plan not to continue, cancel at least one day before your renewal.
- Use the Family Sharing feature — with one subscription, you can share with up to five other people in your family group.
- Download episodes for offline viewing while your trial is active (some devices/shows allow this).
- Explore the full catalog early — sometimes limited-time specials or first-episode releases expire or rotate out.
