Get ready, streamers! Apple just announced a completely free weekend for its premium streaming service, Apple TV+. Circle January 4-5, 2025, on your calendars, because for 48 hours, you’ll have unrestricted access to the entire Apple TV+ library—no subscription needed. This is a first for Apple, a company that usually promotes its service with free trials for new users or a free first episode to hook you in. This time, they’re giving away the whole farm, signaling a major push into the streaming space. The free weekend offers a fantastic chance to explore acclaimed shows, discover new releases, and decide if Apple TV+ is worth adding to your streaming rotation.
Why This Free Weekend Matters
I’ve been covering the streaming beat for over ten years, and this Apple TV+ free weekend is significant. It’s more than just a freebie. It is a calculated move in Apple’s playbook to gain ground in a crowded market. Here’s the lowdown:
- Increased Visibility: Opening up the platform maximizes exposure. Those who might have hesitated to try a free trial might be tempted by zero commitment.
- Creating Buzz: The move is generating media attention and social media chatter, turning every viewer into a potential platform advocate.
- Driving Future Subscriptions: Apple is betting this taste of its premium content will convert. It’s a try-before-you-buy strategy, supercharged.
- A Trial Run: This could be a test for future promotions. Apple will monitor user engagement and conversion rates closely.
What to Watch on Apple TV+
Apple TV+ boasts a diverse, growing library of original content. During the free weekend, it’s all yours to binge. Here’s a rundown of must-see highlights and buzzworthy new additions:
Must-See Series:
- Severance (Season 2 Coming Soon): This acclaimed workplace thriller is mind-bending. Catch up on season one during the free weekend before the second season drops.
- Ted Lasso: A feel-good comedy that swept the awards, Ted Lasso is heartwarming, hilarious, and full of memorable characters.
- For All Mankind: Alternate history meets the space race in this drama with stunning visuals and compelling storytelling.
- The Morning Show: A star-studded drama delving into the world of morning television, exploring power, ambition, and accountability.
- Slow Horses: A British spy thriller with Gary Oldman, perfect for fans of John le Carré.
- Foundation: Based on Isaac Asimov’s epic sci-fi novels, it tells the story of a group of exiles that discover that the only way to save the Galactic Empire from destruction is to defy it.
Must-See Films:
- CODA: The Academy Award winner for Best Picture, a heartwarming coming-of-age story about a child of deaf adults.
- Greyhound: Tom Hanks stars in this gripping World War II naval thriller.
- The Tragedy of Macbeth: Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand star in this visually stunning Shakespeare adaptation.
Recently Added & Upcoming:
- Hijack: A real-time thriller starring Idris Elba as a corporate negotiator who must use his skills to save the passengers of a hijacked plane.
- Masters of the Air: A World War II drama miniseries produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, a companion piece to Band of Brothers and The Pacific.
- Sugar: A new detective series starring Colin Farrell about an American private investigator on the heels of the mysterious disappearance of Olivia Siegel.
How to Access the Free Weekend
Getting in on this free weekend is a breeze. No codes, sign-ups, or hoops. Here’s how:
- Open the Apple TV app: It comes pre-installed on Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV). You can also find it on compatible smart TVs, streaming devices (Roku, Fire TV), and gaming consoles.
- Start Watching: From January 4th to 5th, 2025, the entire Apple TV+ catalog is unlocked. Pick your show or movie and enjoy!
Beyond the Free Weekend: Apple TV+ Pricing and Plans
If the free weekend leaves you wanting more (and it might), here are your subscription options:
- Monthly Subscription: Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month. This plan gets you streaming on up to six devices, with 4K HDR content, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos.
- Apple One Bundles: Apple offers bundled subscriptions that package Apple TV+ with other services like Apple Music, Apple Arcade, iCloud+, Apple News+, and Apple Fitness+. Bundles start at $19.95 per month for the Individual plan and go up to $37.95 for the Premier plan, which includes 2TB of iCloud storage and can be shared with up to five family members.
- Individual: $19.95/month (Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, 50GB iCloud+)
- Family: $25.95/month (Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, 200GB iCloud+, shareable with up to 5 family members)
- Premier: $37.95/month (Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, Apple Fitness+, 2TB iCloud+, shareable with up to 5 family members)
Apple TV+ vs. The Competition
How does Apple TV+ compare to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video in today’s crowded streaming market? Here’s a quick look:
- Content Focus: Apple TV+ is all about original content. Unlike platforms that lean on licensed content, Apple is building a library of exclusives. You won’t find reruns or a vast movie back catalog here.
- Quality Over Quantity: Apple’s library is smaller but arguably more curated. They’re investing in high-quality productions with A-list talent.
- Price: At $9.99 per month, Apple TV+ is competitive, especially considering content quality and family sharing.
- Device Compatibility: Apple TV+ is widely available but integrates best with the Apple ecosystem. In a push to broaden its reach, Apple has been actively expanding the availability of the Apple TV app, and it looks like Apple TV+ is coming to even more screens in the near future.
- User Interface: The Apple TV app is generally praised for its clean, intuitive interface.
- Apple One Advantage: The Apple One bundles give Apple a unique edge. If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, these bundles offer great value.
Conclusion
Apple’s free weekend for Apple TV+ marks a major event in the streaming world, a bold play that will likely pay off in visibility, subscriber growth, and brand awareness. It’s a golden opportunity to sample the platform’s impressive originals without spending a dime. Whether you’re a streaming veteran or just curious about Apple TV+, this is a weekend to mark down. From acclaimed dramas like “Severance” to heartwarming comedies like “Ted Lasso,” Apple TV+ has something for everyone. Clear your schedule, grab some snacks, and get ready to experience the best of Apple TV+—totally free from January 4-5, 2025.
