Are you looking to score a great streaming deal in 2025? With Apple’s expanding lineup of original shows and movies, getting a free trial of Apple TV+ can be a smart move. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to unlock three months free of Apple TV+ (where eligible), what to watch out for, how to redeem the offer, and how to decide whether you’d rather buy or upgrade instead of going the free-trial route. Let’s dive in.
Why You Should Consider Apple TV+ in 2025
Before we get into how to get the free trial, let’s look at why Apple TV+ is worth considering:
- High-quality originals: Apple has been investing heavily in exclusive series and films (e.g., Severance, Slow Horses, The Morning Show).
- Ad-free experience: In most regions, the base tier is ad-free (unlike many streaming services). Apple+2Apple+2
- Global availability, cross-device support: Apple TV+ is accessible via the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV device, Android, smart TVs, consoles, etc. Apple+1
- Promotional value: A three-months free offer is a generous window to test the service without paying.
- Bundling and device perks: If you already use Apple hardware or services, you may gain more value.
All that said, the “free for three months” offer has terms and conditions, so making sure you qualify is essential.
How to Get the Free 3-Month Trial: Step by Step
1. Check Eligibility
- Apple states that if you purchase a new eligible Apple device (e.g., iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K) and redeem the offer within 90 days, you can get three months of Apple TV+ free. Apple+1
- The offer is for “new and qualified returning subscribers only.” If you or your Family Sharing group have previously accepted a similar offer (e.g., one year free or another promo), you may be ineligible. Apple+1
- Some carriers or retailers also offer the three-month free offer as part of a bundle. For example, in the UK a mobile network or store may include it. Radio Times
2. Purchase the Eligible Device (if required)
If your eligibility route is “buy an Apple device,” make sure the device is newly purchased (or from an authorised reseller) and activated. For example: “Your free three months of Apple TV+ are included when you buy a new Apple TV 4K, iPhone, iPad or Mac. Your new device must be capable of running the latest tvOS, iOS, iPadOS or macOS.” Apple+1
3. Set up the Device and Redeem the Offer
- Turn on the device, sign in with your Apple ID. Apple+1
- Open the Apple TV app. The promotional offer should appear (e.g., “Enjoy 3 Months Free”). If it does not appear automatically, check the TV tab within the app. Apple+1
- Accept the offer and confirm your subscription. Usually you’ll need a payment method on file — this is standard so that once the free period ends you’re charged if you don’t cancel.
4. Know the Timing and Terms
- You often need to redeem the free offer within 90 days of activating the new device. Apple
- The offer is non-transferable and typically only one per account/family group. O2+1
- After the free period ends, your subscription will auto-renew at the monthly rate (unless you cancel). Make a note of when the free period ends.
- Make sure you’re qualified (i.e., haven’t used such an offer recently) to avoid disappointment. Community forums show people who believed they qualified but were told they didn’t because of prior eligibility. Apple Support Community
5. Set a Reminder to Cancel (if you’re not planning to continue)
If you intend only to use the free period, set a reminder to cancel before the charge date so you don’t get billed unexpectedly.
6. Download the App and Enjoy
- Use the Apple TV app on your device(s)
- Explore original content, movies, series
- Try downloading titles for offline viewing if supported.
- Use Family Sharing (up to six family members) if applicable. Apple+1
Common Scenarios & Bonus Offers
Here are some additional ways the three-month free offer shows up:
- Carrier/Network bundles: Some mobile or broadband providers include three months of Apple TV+ with certain plans. Example: in the UK, one network included Apple TV+ free for 3 months with a suitable mobile plan. EE+1
- Retail promotions: Some retailers extend the offer when you buy certain devices or brands (sometimes non-Apple too) — especially around sales or holiday periods. Example: in the UK with Currys or Carphone Warehouse you can get up to three months free when you purchase a selected product. Radio Times
- Student/education deals: In some regions, students buying or subscribing to Apple Music may get Apple TV+ included or extended. For instance, some disclaim that Apple Music Student subscription comes with Apple TV+. Apple+1
What You Get During the Trial
When you subscribe via a valid free-trial offer, you’ll typically receive:
- Full access to Apple Originals (TV series, films) in your region
- Ad-free viewing (assuming your tier includes that)
- Streaming on multiple devices, offline downloads (depending on app and device)
- Use of Family Sharing (so multiple users in your household can watch)
- After the trial ends, all your history, preferences, watchlist remain so you can continue seamlessly if you convert to paid
Things to Watch Out For
- Eligibility restrictions: If you’ve previously redeemed a similar offer, you might not qualify again. Example: “The 3 months free Apple TV+ offer is not available if you or your Family have previously accepted the Apple TV+ one-year-free offer.” O2
- Redeem within time window: Some offers require activation within a fixed window (e.g., within 90 days of device setup).
- Auto-renewal: Free trial is just a preview. After it ends you’ll be billed unless you cancel.
- Region differences: The exact terms, pricing, and device lists vary by country. What works in the UK may differ elsewhere.
- Content availability: Libraries vary by region due to licensing.
- Plan changes: Some promotions are for new subscribers only; returning customers may not be eligible.
- Cancellation ramifications: If you cancel during the free period, sometimes you may lose access immediately; check terms.
Smart Strategy to Maximise the Offer
Here are tips to make the most of your free three-month trial:
- Time your signup: If you purchase a new Apple device or plan for a bundle offer, redeem the trial at a time when you can watch a lot (e.g., holiday, break).
- Plan a watch-list: Before you start, make a list of Apple TV+ originals you want to watch. That way you’ll hit the ground running.
- Use multiple devices: Download on mobile/tablet when offline, watch on TV when at home.
- Check family-member shares: If you have a family plan or Family Sharing group, make sure others are set up so you’ll get the most value.
- Monitor your end-date: Use a calendar reminder about a week before to decide whether you’ll continue or cancel.
- Evaluate post-trial value: After the free period, reflect on whether you watched enough to justify the cost, and whether you’ll keep it or cancel.
- Explore add-ons: Apple TV+ also supports add-on channels and bundles (e.g., via Apple One) — you might find more value there if you plan to keep streaming.
If You Prefer to Buy
If you prefer to pay for a subscription or upgrade your service rather than simply rely on a free trial, here are the options you can consider:
- Standard Apple TV+ subscription
In the U.S., for example, Apple TV+ costs US $12.99/month after any free trial. Business Insider+1 - Annual plan
Apple offers a yearly plan (in some regions) at a lower effective monthly rate. For example, Business Insider notes a global annual plan at US $99/year in the U.S. region. Business Insider - Apple One bundle
Combine Apple TV+ with other Apple services (e.g., Apple Music, Apple Arcade, iCloud+). This may offer better value if you already use multiple Apple services. Example: Apple One plans start at certain price points depending on region. Apple - Student/education discount
Some regions offer Apple TV+ included with educational plans or student subscriptions (e.g., Apple Music Student). Check for your region. Apple - Device-bundle purchase
When purchasing a new Apple device, the three-months free offer is technically tied to purchase — you could view this as “buy a device + bonus streaming perk”. If you’d be buying the device anyway, this might be the best value route. Apple+1 - Upgrade to higher tier / add-ons
For users wanting extras (e.g., sports, premium content), Apple TV+ allows add-ons (e.g., MLS Season Pass in some regions) or special features. You may pay extra for those. Business Insider
Region & Device-Specific Notes (Worldwide)
Since you’re reading this from anywhere in the world, here are the global nuances to keep in mind:
- Device eligibility: The three-months free offer often applies only to certain Apple devices (new iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K) purchased via Apple or authorised reseller. If you have an older device, you may not qualify. Apple+1
- Local pricing and currency: Subscription cost and exact offer phrasing vary by region (UK, EU, Australia, etc.). For example, UK page lists “£9.99 / month after free trial” and includes Family Sharing up to six. Apple
- Carrier/retailer deals: In some regions, mobile networks or retail stores offer the three-months free deal when you sign up for certain plans, not necessarily by buying a device. For example: UK network offered 3 months free Apple TV+ with a pay-monthly or SIM-only plan. EE+1
- Content library differences: What’s available on Apple TV+ differs by country due to regional licensing. So the shows/movies you see may vary.
- Promotional expiry and changes: Offers can expire or change. Always check the latest terms before subscribing. For example, one promotion gave 3 months at US $2.99/month for 3 months, valid through a certain date. Polygon+1
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: I bought a new Apple device but I don’t see the “3 months free” offer — what should I do?
A: Make sure: you signed in with your Apple ID on the new device; you opened the Apple TV app; the device meets the eligibility (new, capable of latest OS); you are within the redemption window (e.g., 90 days). If still not visible, contact Apple Support. Some forum users report that prior offers used up their eligibility. Apple Support Community
Q: Can I cancel immediately after redeeming the free trial so I’m not charged later?
A: You could, but if you cancel before the free period ends you often lose access immediately (and the free part may be cancelled). Better to set a reminder and cancel just before renewal if you don’t plan to continue.
Q: I already had Apple TV+ in the past. Am I eligible for the three-month free offer again?
A: It depends on region and terms. Many offers state “new and qualified returning subscribers only” and may exclude accounts/families that have redeemed similar offers in the past. O2+1
Q: What happens after the three months end?
A: Your subscription will auto-renew at the standard monthly rate for your region unless you cancel. At that point you’ll be charged monthly. Anything you watched or saved remains in your account.
Q: Can I share the free months with my family?
A: Yes — if you use Family Sharing and your account is eligible, the subscription (free trial or paid) may be shared across up to six family members. Apple+1
Final Thoughts
The three-months free offer for Apple TV+ is a solid opportunity — especially if you were already thinking of buying a new Apple device or if your mobile/retail plan offers it. It gives you a decently sized window to explore the service, sample its originals, and decide whether it fits into your streaming lineup.
That said, don’t treat it as “free forever” — make sure you understand the auto-renew, keep track of the end date, and evaluate whether you’ll continue. If you prefer simplicity and know you’ll keep streaming, choosing a paid plan, annual plan, or bundle may make more sense for you.