Apple TV Plus, known for its ad-free and affordable streaming service, is set to disappoint its users with a significant price increase. According to Bloomberg, Apple plans to raise the monthly cost of its streaming platform from $6.99 to $9.99 in the US, which is a 31% increase. Additionally, the annual subscription will now cost $99 instead of the previous $69. It remains uncertain whether this price hike will extend to the UK and Australia.
These changes mean that it will be more expensive for viewers to enjoy Apple TV Plus’ top-quality shows and movies. As someone who appreciates the platform’s impressive catalog, this price increase is disheartening. Apple TV Plus offers not only critically acclaimed sci-fi series like Foundation and Severance but also award-winning non-sci-fi shows such as Ted Lasso and Blackbird. Moreover, it will exclusively feature highly anticipated films like Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon and Ridley Scott’s Napoleon in 2023.
However, with the rise in subscription fees, potential customers may prefer to opt for other streaming services like Netflix. Netflix’s ad-supported tier, priced at $6.99, offers a larger library of shows and movies at a lower cost, albeit with occasional advertisements. Similarly, Hulu with Ads costs $7.99 per month, Prime Video’s ad-supported subscription is priced at $8.99, and Paramount Plus’ ads-based tier is $5.99 in the US and UK. Only Warner Bros Discovery’s super streamer, Max, matches Apple TV Plus’ price at $9.99. Nevertheless, Max’s extensive content makes its ad-free subscription more cost-effective than Apple’s offering.
Unfortunately, Apple TV Plus no longer stands as one of the few platforms providing inexpensive prices in the face of rising competition. In this fiercely competitive landscape, Apple may have made a costly mistake by increasing its prices. Nonetheless, if you remain interested in signing up for Apple TV Plus, regardless of the cost, be sure to read our comprehensive review to determine its worth.
October 25, 2023.
