APPLE TV REVIEW 2026
Renamed simply "Apple TV" late last year, the strategy remains bold: a boutique gallery of high-budget cinema rather than a content farm.
Apple TV Pros and Cons - Jan 2026 Review
The Best Picture Quality vs. The "Rent or Buy" Trap
Heavy Hitting Originals
Apple TV still wins on quality per show. When a new season lands, it feels like an event, and the service keeps delivering standout originals across drama, sci-fi, comedy, and thrillers. It is not the biggest library, but the hit rate is higher than most.
Reference 4K Quality
Apple still refuses to charge extra for quality. While some rivals reserve 4K for top tiers, Apple TV includes premium 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support on many titles as standard.
MLS Included for the 2026 Season
Big change for 2026. MLS matches and programming are now included with an Apple TV subscription at no extra cost, and the standalone MLS Season Pass is being phased out after the 2025 season. If you watch MLS, this is a genuine value upgrade compared to last year.
The "Rent or Buy" Trap
The interface is still a minefield. It aggressively mixes "included" titles with paid rentals and purchases, so it can be frustratingly hard to tell what you can actually watch without paying extra.
Library Depth
Once you binge the big hitters like Severance, Silo, and Slow Horses, the gaps show. The Apple TV library is originals-first, so there is not a huge comfort back catalogue to fill the quiet months.
No "Budget" Tier
Apple still does not offer a cheaper ad-supported plan. The entry price is a strict £9.99 ($12.99), so there is no low-cost way to dip in if you are on a tight budget.
APPLE TV FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
🎬 Tested and Verified: Here is my breakdown of the key features for Apple TV in Jan 2026.
ORIGINALS FIRST LIBRARY
Apple TV is built around Apple Originals, so you are paying for new, exclusive series and films rather than a huge back catalogue of old reruns. The library is smaller than Netflix, but the average production quality is consistently high.
PREMIUM 4K AND DOLBY FORMATS
Many Apple Originals stream in 4K HDR, often with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos on supported devices. Not every title is 4K, but there is no extra fee just to unlock better picture quality.
FAMILY SHARING (UP TO 6)
You can share Apple TV with your Family Sharing group, which supports up to six people total. Each person watches on their own Apple Account, so watch history and recommendations stay separate.
OFFLINE DOWNLOADS
Offline downloads are available in the Apple TV app on supported devices like iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Downloads are not permanent, and they can expire after a period of time, so they are best treated as a travel feature rather than a forever library.
WIDE DEVICE SUPPORT
Apple TV is not locked to Apple hardware. The Apple TV app is available on many smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles, and Google TV devices. There is also a dedicated Apple TV app for Android phones and tablets via Google Play.
AD FREE ON DEMAND
Apple TV does not have an ad supported tier for its on demand shows and films, so episodes play without mid roll commercial breaks. Live sports and events can still include ads because they follow the live broadcast format.
MLS INCLUDED IN 2026
Starting with the 2026 season, MLS matches and league programming are included with an Apple TV subscription, and the separate MLS Season Pass subscription ends. That means you no longer need a separate add on just to watch every match.
CHEAPER IN APPLE ONE
If you already pay for services like Apple Music, iCloud+, or Apple Arcade, bundling with Apple One can reduce the combined monthly cost. It is not always cheaper for everyone, but it is worth checking if you already live in the Apple ecosystem.
UP TO 6 SIMULTANEOUS STREAMS
Apple TV supports up to six simultaneous streams, which is a strong limit for households. It is especially useful if you share via Family Sharing and multiple people watch at the same time.
Why Choose Apple TV in 2026?
Unrivalled Quality • Ad-Free Sanctuary • Sharing Freedom
The "No Filler" Guarantee
This is the main reason to buy. Unlike Netflix which drowns you in thousands of cheap burn and churn shows, Apple focuses entirely on big budget prestige TV. From the cinema level CGI in Foundation to the writing in Severance, the "hit rate" for quality here is higher than any other platform.
The Ad-Free Sanctuary
This is now a rare luxury. Unlike Amazon Prime or Disney+ which now force commercials onto their standard plans, Apple TV+ remains a sanctuary. When I press play on a show it starts instantly without any pre roll trailers for car insurance or toothpaste to skip.
The "Netflix" Antidote
While competitors are aggressively banning password sharing, Apple still allows you to share your subscription with up to five other people via "Family Sharing." I set up accounts for my parents and brother and we all have private profiles without paying a penny extra.
Apple TV Plans & Pricing (2026)
One Plan. Two Currencies. Zero Ads.
Whether you are in the US or the UK, Apple keeps it refreshingly simple. There are no "Basic" or "Premium" tiers. You pay one flat rate and get the maximum quality and all features included.
| Feature | US Plan 🇺🇸 | UK Plan 🇬🇧 |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $12.99 | £9.99 |
| Annual Price | $99.99 | £89.00 |
| Video Quality | 4K Dolby Vision | 4K Dolby Vision |
| Live Sports | MLS + Friday Night Baseball | MLS |
| Simultaneous Streams | 6 Screens | 6 Screens |
Why It Feels Premium
No "Ad-Lite" Tier
Unlike Netflix or Hulu which limit you to 1080p if you choose the cheaper plans, Apple gives every subscriber full 4K HDR. You never have to pay extra just to see pixels clearly.
The US Sports Bonus
For US subscribers, the value is even higher. The inclusion of Friday Night Baseball double-headers offers weekly live MLB games that would usually require a separate cable subscription.
The "Household" Rule
Apple is much more lenient than Netflix on location. I share my account with family members in different houses (within the same country) via Family Sharing and we have never been blocked.
How Does It Compare in 2026?
The "Hidden Cost" Reality Check
| Feature | Apple TV 🍏 | Netflix 🟥 | Disney+ 🟦 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan Structure | Single Plan (All Inclusive) | 3 Tiers (Standard with Ads to Premium) | 2 Tiers (Standard / Premium) |
| 4K HDR Cost | Included in Base Price | Requires Premium Tier | Requires Premium Tier |
| Sharing Rules | Free via Family Sharing | Extra Fee per Added Member | Extra Fee per Added Member |
| Ad Free? | Yes (Always) | Only on Premium Tier | Only on Premium Tier |
| Live Sports | MLS (Included in 2026) | WWE and Sports Documentaries | None |
The "Sharing" Tax
This remains the biggest cost gap in 2026. If you want to share Netflix with a family member outside your home, you must pay for each “Extra Member.” With Apple TV, adding people through iCloud Family Sharing is free and includes separate profiles and recommendations.
The 4K Paywall
Netflix and Disney+ still charge extra for 4K and Dolby Vision. To match Apple’s default picture and sound quality, you must subscribe to the highest-tier plans—often nearly twice the monthly cost of Apple TV.
The Library Gap
Apple TV’s focus is still on premium originals. If you want endless scrolling through sitcoms, reality shows, and older films, Netflix and Disney+ still dominate. Apple’s smaller library trades volume for consistent quality and production value.
MOST POPULAR GENRES ON APPLE TV (2026)
🔎 Catalogue depth: Very High • High • Medium–High
SCI-FI
The crown jewel of the platform. Apple has effectively cornered the market on high budget, intelligent science fiction that rivals HBO.
Examples: SEVERANCE, SILO, FOUNDATION, FOR ALL MANKIND, DARK MATTER, MONARCH
THRILLER
Fast paced mysteries and spy dramas. This genre has become the service's bread and butter, often nicknamed "Dad TV" for its gritty reliability.
Examples: SLOW HORSES, HIJACK, PRESUMED INNOCENT, BLACK BIRD, DEFENDING JACOB
COMEDY
Feel good sitcoms and sharp dramedies. While the library is small, the hit rate for genuinely funny content is exceptionally high.
Examples: TED LASSO, SHRINKING, TRYING, PLATONIC, MYTHIC QUEST, PALM ROYALE
LIVE SPORTS
A massive new pillar for 2026. Includes live coverage of major leagues and high access sports documentaries.
Examples: MLS, FRIDAY NIGHT BASEBALL, MESSI MEETS AMERICA, THE DYNASTY
DRAMA
Expensive, star studded prestige dramas that win awards. Expect big Hollywood names rather than unknown actors.
Examples: THE MORNING SHOW, PACHINKO, BAD SISTERS, LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY, THE NEW LOOK
NATURE & DOCS
Stunning natural history series narrated by Sir David Attenborough and deep dives into pop culture icons.
Examples: PREHISTORIC PLANET, TINY WORLD, STEVE! (MARTIN), THE SUPER MODELS
What I Watched This Month (Jan 2026)
My Personal Rotation
Tehran (Season 3)
Verdict: High stakes spy games.
Tamar is back and more isolated than ever. Adding Hugh Laurie to the cast was a masterstroke because he brings a grounded energy to the chaos. It remains the best cat and mouse thriller on the platform and the production value for the overseas locations is top tier.
Hijack (Season 2)
Verdict: Idris Elba doing what he does best.
I have only seen the first episode so far but the tension is already through the roof. It moves the action to a new setting and it feels just as claustrophobic as the first season. I love watching Sam Nelson negotiate his way out of impossible situations.
Pluribus
Verdict: Vince Gilligan does it again.
Since this is the new project from the director of Breaking Bad, my X feed was full of it for weeks. It is quite different from his previous work but features that same incredible attention to detail. Rhea Seehorn is phenomenal and the mystery keeps you hooked from the very first scene.
Who Should Subscribe to Apple TV?
Families • Quality TV • Sports Fans • AV Geeks
The Large Family
This is one of the best streaming options for households in 2026. While Netflix and Disney+ now charge per shared account, Apple lets you add up to five family members through iCloud Family Sharing for free. Everyone gets their own watch history and recommendations, all under one £9.99 plan.
The Quality TV Lover
If you value prestige storytelling over a massive library of filler, this is your platform. Between the massive buzz on X for the new Vince Gilligan show Pluribus and the high stakes of Tehran season 3, the focus is clearly on quality over quantity. It is the best choice for viewers who want every episode to feel like a major event.
The AV Enthusiast
If you own a 4K OLED TV or a Dolby Atmos setup, Apple TV remains the go-to streaming app. It consistently delivers higher bitrates and sharper compression than most competitors, offering picture quality that rivals UHD Blu-ray discs on select titles.
The Football Fan
The 2026 MLS Season Pass is now fully included with Apple TV. You can stream every match live and on demand with no blackout restrictions. For football fans, it turns a £9.99 subscription into one of the best sports values available anywhere.
The Frequent Flyer
Offline downloads are reliable and flexible. You can save full seasons for travel and they remain playable for weeks while you are offline. This is ideal for flights, remote trips, or long commutes. It is one of the few apps that does not force rapid expiry timers.
Who Should Avoid It?
Background Watchers • Budget Hunters • Interface Haters
The Background Noise Viewer
If you want a service to run in the background while you scroll on your phone, this is not the best fit. Apple TV is still originals-first, and it does not offer a deep back catalogue of long running comfort sitcoms. It is better when you choose a specific show and actually sit down to watch.
The Budget Hunter
Apple does not offer a cheaper ad supported tier for its on demand library. If you want the lowest possible monthly price, services with ad plans can be easier to justify. Apple TV asks for the full subscription price from day one unless you get it through a bundle or promotion.
The Rent or Buy Hater
The Apple TV app mixes included subscription titles with paid rentals and purchases from the store. If you hate clicking something that looks interesting and then being asked to pay extra, the browsing experience can feel like a trap unless you filter carefully.
Our Jan 2026 Score: 8.6/10
Up from 8.3 in our September 2025 Review
January Momentum (+0.5)
January 2026 is one of Apple TV’s strongest release stretches in a while. Hijack Season 2 lands mid month, and Shrinking Season 3 follows at the end of January, alongside other fresh January premieres. The service still runs lean overall, but the “nothing new this week” problem is much less noticeable right now.
Picture and Sound Quality (+0.4)
Apple TV remains a reference pick for streaming quality. Many flagship titles support 4K HDR formats and Dolby Atmos, and Apple does not gate higher quality behind a pricier tier. If you care about an OLED and a good soundbar, this is still one of the cleanest looking services.
Sports Value Upgrade (+0.2)
The 2026 season change is meaningful. Major League Soccer coverage is now bundled into the Apple TV subscription, removing what used to be a separate sports add on decision for football fans.
Broader Access (+0.2)
Apple TV is easier to live with outside the Apple ecosystem than it used to be. The app has expanded device support over time, including an official Android mobile app, so you are not locked into owning an iPhone or Apple TV box to get a solid experience.
Premium Only Pricing (-0.4)
The entry price is still firm. At £9.99 per month in the UK and $12.99 per month in the US, Apple TV does not offer a cheaper ad supported tier for casual viewers who only want one show.
The Comfort Library Gap (-0.4)
Apple’s originals first approach is the tradeoff. When you are caught up on the headline series, there is not a deep back catalogue of older comfort shows to keep you subscribed through quieter months.
Store and Upsell Confusion (-0.2)
The interface still blends subscription titles with paid rentals and purchases. It is easy to click something that looks included and only realise at the last step that it costs extra.
How We Rate Apple TV
Affiliate Disclosure We may earn a commission if you sign up through our links, however, commission rates are never a factor in our rankings.
Our final score for Apple TV is calculated using the 'Balanced Default' weighting profile. This ensures a fair, comparable score against all other providers. See our full ranking methodology here.
How this ensures transparency:
This approach lets us judge the best service for each customer without bias. Commission, CPA, payout rates, and margins are not used anywhere in the scoring model, so providers cannot buy a higher rank. Every score is computed for what’s best for the customer.