Do I need an Apple TV if I have a smart TV?
Daniel Moore
Published Jan 06, 2026
You don't need Apple TV if you have a smart TV unless your smart TV doesn't support the Apple TV app. If your TV lacks support for the app, then you'll need an Apple TV device if you want to watch exclusive Apple productions or want a decent streaming box in the vein of Roku or Fire TV.
Is Apple TV necessary if you have a smart TV?
Although Apple TV does have useful features, it is essentially useless if you already own a smart TV. Streaming apps such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and even YouTube are available on a smart TV.
Do smart TVs have Apple TV built in?
Which devices have the Apple TV app? The Apple TV app is available on select 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Samsung Smart TVs, Lifestyle TVs, QLED 4K and 8K TVs, the Premiere projector, and the Freestyle. It is also available on Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon streaming devices.
What does Apple TV do for a smart TV?
The Apple TV app is the ultimate way to watch TV on smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles. It's the place to find original shows and movies from Apple TV+, as well as the premium channels you want, thousands of movies to buy or rent, and popular streaming services and cable TV providers.
What is the point of Apple TV?
Apple TV 4K is the ultimate smart home hub, letting you control all your HomeKit devices. Take a look at everything you can share. With AirPlay, you can share the latest movies, vacation photos, music, and even 4K HDR videos from your iPhone or iPad to your Apple TV 4K in their full resolution. You get your TV.
44 related questions foundWhats the point of Apple TV if I have to pay for everything?
The subscription covers Apple-original content. Everything else will be the same price, regardless of whether or not someone is subscribed. Movies that say rent or buy are from the iTunes Store and not free. The subscription covers Apple-original content.
Is there a monthly fee for Apple TV?
(1) If you buy an Apple device, Apple TV+ is included free for 3 months. (2) A monthly subscription is just $4.99 per month after a free seven-day trial.
Is Apple TV free with Amazon Prime?
Answer: No. There is no Amazon Prime program in Apple TV.
Which is better Netflix or Apple TV?
It also has a lot of great shows and movies to stream, with more to come. In fact, one could make the argument that the service has more quality shows and movies, per release, than any other of the major services. Netflix does cost a lot more, but the truth is that it simply has far more content than Apple TV Plus.
Why can't I watch Apple TV on my TV?
Update to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, macOS or tvOS. If you're using a compatible smart TV, streaming device or games console that's connected to the internet, the Apple TV app should update automatically. If you need help, you can contact the manufacturer or learn how to get the Apple TV app on your device.
Can I download Apple TV on my smart TV?
If you own a Smart TV from providers such as Samsung, LG or Sony, you can also download the Apple TV app to them and watch on your television. To check if your television is supported, go to the apps section on your TV and look for the Apple TV app.
Which is better Roku or Apple TV?
You can't go wrong with either of these two streaming devices. They're both high-end, work with the smart home, and support 4K video and most major HDR formats. That said, the Apple TV 4K is more expensive than the Roku Ultra, so you'll get better value for money out of the Roku device than you will the Apple TV.
Is Amazon Fire Stick better than Apple TV?
Apple TV 4K adds support for Spatial Audio and comes with an ethernet port, while the Fire TV Stick 4K supports HDR10+ and has a more attractive price point. If you're heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, an avid user of Fitness+, or tend to rent flicks through iTunes, the Apple TV 4K is the box you want.
Is Netflix free on Apple TV?
Netflix is now available on most of the Apple TV models except for Apple TV Gen 1. Even though you can install the Netflix app for your device free of charge, you still have to pay a monthly fee to maintain your Netflix account.
What is the difference between Apple TV and Apple TV app?
The name Apple TV is used for different products and services, which can be confusing. Apple TV is a media player and Apple TV+ is a streaming service. With the Apple TV app, you can watch the entire selection of movies and series in one place.
How can I use Apple TV for free?
How to get Apple TV+
- Open the Apple TV app. ...
- Choose the Apple TV+ Originals tab.
- Select Sign In and Start Free Trial. ...
- Sign in with the Apple ID and password that you use to make purchases. ...
- If asked, confirm your billing information and add a valid payment method.
How can I get Apple TV for free?
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. Make sure your device is running the latest iOS, iPadOS, tvOS or macOS. Offer must be claimed in the Apple TV app within 3 months after first setting up your new device.
What channels do you get with Apple TV?
Apple TV Channels
- A&E Crime Central – $4.99.
- Acorn TV – $6.99.
- allblk – $5.99.
- AMC+ – $8.99.
- Apple TV+ – $4.99.
- BBC Select – $4.99.
- BET+ – $9.99.
- BFI Player Classics – $5.99.
How do I watch Apple TV on my TV?
Get the Apple TV app or Apple TV+ app on your smart TV, streaming device, or game console
- Go to your device's app store and search for the Apple TV app or Apple TV+ app. ...
- Download the app.
- Open the app and follow the instructions to complete setup.
Does Apple TV have free movies?
page 1 of 5. Apple TV offers a variety of tvOS apps providing free TV shows and movies.
How much is Apple TV a month in the UK?
A monthly subscription is just £4.99 per month after a free 7-day trial. Share Apple TV+ with your family.
How much is Apple TV a month on Fire Stick?
While your TV might not offer the app - the cheapest way to get access to Apple's content is going to be via Roku or Amazon's Fire TV Stick. Apple TV+ costs $4.99 / £4.99 per month for a family subscription.
What device is better than Apple TV?
Best streaming device overall
Roku is our favorite streaming system, with the most streaming app options, the simplest streaming platform interface and the best search. It also has a content-agnostic platform that doesn't push any one media streaming service provider, like Amazon Prime Video or Apple, over another.
Can I use Apple TV and Amazon Fire Stick?
If you're wondering whether or not you can get Apple TV on your Fire TV Stick, the answer is yes. Inside the Apple TV app, you'll have access to your entire iTunes library, including any movies or series that you've purchased from Apple, as well as Apple TV+.