What's Different Between Apple TV App, Apple TV Channels, And Apple TV Plus?

Apple now offers three new ways for its customers to watch movies and TV shows. However, you may find them a bit confusing due to their similar names, which all start with “Apple TV.”

Last night, Indian time, CEO Tim Cook went on stage to introduce Apple’s latest services at the Show Time event. For the most part, the even focused on TV streaming service, ending with Apple’s new TV service that features big stars and producers such as Kumail Nanjiani, Reese Witherspoon, Jenifer Aniston, .J. Abrams, and Oprah Winfrey. That’s Apple TV Plus.

Meanwhile, the company also announced a new TV app including a new Channel option. So how can we tell them apart?

Apple TV app

The tech giant introduced this app back in 2016. Available on Apple TV, iPads, and iPhones, the app provides a single space for users to enjoy a library of movies and TV shows from subscription like Play Station Vue, ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, etc.

In May 2019, the company will release an update for the app with integrated purchases from iTunes movies and TV shows and recommendations for more to watch. According to Apple, customers will be able to enjoy the content on Samsung’s smart TVs this spring while users of LG, Sony, Vizio smart TVs, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV will get the access later. MacOS computers will get the update this fall.

Apple TV Channels

This is a service newly added to the Apple TV app, with which users can supplement content drawn from various partners. Users don’t have to install another app or create another account with a password to use this service, and they can share the channels subscriptions through the Family Sharing feature. While the company didn’t reveal the price for this service, content from HBO may get discounted.

Apple TV Plus

This is, on the other hand, a separate TV streaming service housing Apple’s original, exclusive TV shows, documentaries, and movies. The company has formed a multiyear partnership with Oprah as well as deals with many other big names.

Apple has spent over $1 billion and committed to 30 shows and several movies. However, the price for this subscription was not revealed at this Apple event.

Apple TV

The three aforementioned are new services, but Apple TV is the company’s streaming box it has been selling. The luxury streamer costs $180 for the 4K version and $150 for the standard version. Let’s wait and see if the tech giant will make any change to the Apple TV in the coming time.