Difference Between Apple TV and Apple TV Plus

Apple’s ecosystem, while incredibly intuitive, often throws curveballs when it comes to nomenclature. Dive in with me, as I unravel the mystery behind these two Apple products.

Apple TV: The Hardware and App

What Exactly is Apple TV?

Apple TV is a small black box that connects to your television, transforming it into a smart TV. With this device, you can:

• Stream content from services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
• Mirror or extend your Mac, iPhone, or iPad display to your TV using AirPlay.
• Play games and use apps designed for the Apple TV platform.
• Purchase and rent movies or shows from the iTunes Store.

The Apple TV App – More Than Just Hardware

Over the years, Apple expanded the “Apple TV” moniker to include an app that’s available on Apple devices and some non-Apple platforms. This app serves as a hub for:

• Accessing your purchased and rented movies or shows from the iTunes Store.
• Streaming content from various providers.
• Accessing Apple TV Plus (more on this shortly).

I recommend: If you’re deep into the Apple ecosystem, having an Apple TV device can elevate your viewing experience. It’s sleek, easy to use, and integrates beautifully with your other Apple gadgets.

Apple TV Plus: The Streaming Service

Apple’s Answer to Original Content

Apple TV Plus is Apple’s premium streaming service that offers original content, including movies, documentaries, and TV shows. It’s Apple’s answer to Netflix’s and Amazon Prime Video’s original series and movies.

Key features to

• Ad-free: Say goodbye to pesky interruptions.
• Original Content: Shows like “The Morning Show,” “See,” and “Ted Lasso” have garnered significant attention.
• Monthly Subscription: Unlike the iTunes Store where you buy or rent individual titles, Apple TV Plus gives you access to its entire library for a monthly fee.

I recommend: If you’re a fan of high-quality productions and storytelling, give Apple TV Plus a shot. The first week is often free, so you’ve got nothing to lose.

Comparing Apple TV and Apple TV Plus

Apple TV (Hardware/App)

• Device to transform your TV into a smart TV.
• Hub for accessing content from multiple providers.
• Can access Apple TV Plus content if subscribed.

Apple TV Plus (Streaming Service)

• Apple’s original content streaming service.
• Requires a monthly subscription.
• Accessible on the Apple TV device, the Apple TV app, and even some non-Apple platforms.

I recommend: Think of the relationship as similar to a TV set and a cable subscription. The Apple TV is like your TV set, and Apple TV Plus is one of the channels you can tune into.

Which One is Right For You?

Looking for a Premium Streaming Service? Go for Apple TV Plus. The content is top-notch, and there’s something for everyone.

Want an Enhanced Viewing Experience on Your TV? Get the Apple TV device. Not only will you have access to Apple TV Plus (if you subscribe), but you can also pull in content from other sources.

Note: You don’t need the Apple TV hardware to enjoy Apple TV Plus. The streaming service is accessible on various devices, including Apple’s own lineup and some third-party platforms.

The Evolution of Apple TV

Understanding Apple TV isn’t just about knowing its current functionalities; it’s about appreciating how it has evolved. The Apple TV started as a ‘hobby’ project for Apple but has since transformed into a critical pillar of Apple’s entertainment ecosystem.

First Generation: This was a simple device, primarily focusing on streaming your iTunes library to your TV.

Later Generations: As Apple TV matured, it expanded its capabilities. The App Store came into play, Siri got involved, and the device’s storage increased, allowing users to download and enjoy a plethora of apps and games.

I recommend: For those using older Apple TV models, consider upgrading. The experience on the latest generations, especially with the integration of the Apple TV app, is leagues ahead.

Apple TV Plus: Beyond the Shows

Apple TV Plus isn’t just another streaming service. With its entrance, Apple signalled its commitment to quality content, roping in big names from Hollywood.

Film and Awards: Several Apple TV Plus originals, like “Greyhound” starring Tom Hanks and “The Banker” with Samuel L. Jackson, indicate Apple’s drive to produce cinematic-quality content. They’ve even received awards and nominations, showcasing the service’s calibre.

Documentaries and Kids Shows: Apple TV Plus isn’t just about drama or cinema. It also hosts a range of documentaries, like “The Elephant Queen”, and kids’ programming such as “Helpsters”.

I recommend: Don’t pigeonhole Apple TV Plus as just another content provider. With its diverse offerings, it’s trying to carve a niche in every segment of entertainment.

Understanding the Apple TV App

The Apple TV app is a unifying experience but can sometimes be a source of confusion.

Integration with Other Services: One of Apple TV app’s most prominent features is its ability to pull content from various providers. So, while you have your Apple TV Plus originals, you also see offerings from services like HBO, Showtime, and more – all in one place.

Personalized Recommendations: The Apple TV app learns from your watching habits. Over time, you’ll see recommendations tailored to your tastes, making content discovery much easier.

Family Sharing: If you’re on Apple’s Family Sharing plan, the Apple TV app is a gem. It allows up to six family members to share Apple TV Plus subscriptions and other Apple TV channel subscriptions, ensuring everyone gets their slice of entertainment without multiple subscriptions.

I recommend: Spend some time navigating the Apple TV app. While it’s intuitive, diving deep can unearth functionalities you might not have known existed.

The Economic Side of Things

A frequent query is about the pricing and value proposition.

Apple TV Device: The device is a one-time purchase, with prices varying depending on the generation and storage capacity you opt for. There are no recurring costs unless you subscribe to specific channels or services.

Apple TV Plus: This is a subscription service. As of my last update, it’s priced at $4.99/month, but prices can vary depending on region or any ongoing promotions.

Bundling with Apple One: Apple has a bundled subscription service called Apple One, which combines Apple TV Plus, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and iCloud storage. For those deeply entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, this can be a value deal.

Note: Apple often offers promotional deals, like a free year of Apple TV Plus with the purchase of an Apple device. Always keep an eye out for these!

Conclusion

In essence, Apple TV is both a piece of hardware and a centralized app, a gateway to a world of entertainment. On the other hand, Apple TV Plus is a ticket to Apple’s original creations, a world of drama, comedy, suspense, and more. They co-exist, complementing each other, yet stand distinct in their offerings.

FAQs

Can I watch Apple TV Plus shows on my regular Apple TV device?

Absolutely! As long as you have a subscription to Apple TV Plus.

Do I need an Apple TV device to watch Apple TV Plus content?

No, you can watch Apple TV Plus on various devices, including iPads, iPhones, and even some third-party smart TVs.

Is the content on Apple TV and Apple TV Plus the same?

No, Apple TV serves as a hub for various content providers, while Apple TV Plus specifically offers Apple’s original content.