Apple TV+: Stream Exclusive MLS, MLB & Award-Winning Originals. Ad-Free.

Follow every live MLS match with MLS Season Pass and catch Friday Night Baseball, then dive into critically acclaimed, ad-free originals like the Emmy-winning Ted Lasso. The service is defined by its premium experience, focusing on high-quality original productions over a massive, bloated library. Our guide explores its unique content and helps you decide if this curated approach to streaming is the right fit for you.

What Exactly is Apple TV+?

"A Curated Selection of Exclusive Sports, like MLS Season Pass and Friday Night Baseball."

Apple TV+ offers a unique value proposition, combining exclusive live sports with a growing library of critically acclaimed original programming, all delivered ad-free. It focuses on quality over quantity, providing a premium, curated viewing experience.

With an Apple TV+ subscription, you gain access to:

  • Your Exclusive Soccer Hub: Apple TV+ is the exclusive home for MLS Season Pass, giving you access to every live Major League Soccer match, including playoffs and the Leagues Cup, with no blackouts.
  • Award-Winning Originals: Dive into a growing collection of high-quality, ad-free original series and movies like Ted Lasso, Severance, and the Oscar-winning film CODA.
  • Completely Ad-Free Viewing: Enjoy all Apple TV+ original series and movies without any commercial interruptions, providing a seamless and immersive experience.
  • Affordable Premium Streaming: Compared to many services, Apple TV+ offers a compelling package of exclusive, high-quality content at a very competitive price point.

Apple TV+ Plans & Pricing (July 2025)

Apple TV+ offers a straightforward plan with several ways to subscribe, including generous free trials and bundles.

Apple TV+

$9.99/mo

Or choose the annual plan at $99/year to save.

  • Content: All Apple Original series and movies
  • Experience: Completely ad-free
  • Sharing: Up to 6 simultaneous streams
  • Trial: 7-day free trial for new users
Start Free Trial

MLS Season Pass

$14.99/mo

(Discounted to $12.99/mo for Apple TV+ subscribers)

  • Content: Every live MLS match
  • Blackouts: None
  • Annual Option: $99/season (or $79 for TV+ subscribers)
  • Note: Separate from Apple TV+ subscription
Subscribe to MLS Pass

Student Plan Bundle

$5.99/mo

Get Apple TV+ included for free!

  • Includes: Full Apple Music Student Plan
  • Bonus: Apple TV+ at no extra cost
  • Eligibility: For verified college students
  • Value: The best value for eligible students
Verify Eligibility
Generous Free Trials Available: New subscribers can get a 7-day free trial. You can also get 3 months free with the purchase of an eligible Apple device, or bundle with Apple One for a 1-month free trial.

Sports Coverage: Your Front Row Seat to Exclusive Action

Apple TV+ brings you key live sports content, primarily through its exclusive MLS deal and select MLB games.

Exclusive Live Sports Content:

MLS Season Pass: The ultimate destination for soccer fans, providing access to every live MLS match, playoffs, and Leagues Cup with no blackouts. (Note: This is a separate subscription with a discount for Apple TV+ subscribers.)

Friday Night Baseball: Catch select Major League Baseball games live on Friday nights throughout the regular season.

Sports Documentaries & Series: Explore a growing library of original series that delve into the stories behind the athletes and teams.

Important Note for Sports Fans:

Apple TV+ does not include traditional live sports channels like ESPN, FS1, or regional sports networks (RSNs). It is not a broad cable replacement service, but rather a home for specific, exclusive sports content.

Beyond the Field: A World of Award-Winning Entertainment Awaits

Apple TV+ extends its value far beyond live sports, offering a rich array of critically acclaimed and exclusive entertainment for every member of the family.

Key Entertainment Features:

Critically Acclaimed Apple Originals: Discover a curated selection of award-winning series and movies, known for high production values and compelling storytelling.

Diverse Genres, Ad-Free: Explore heartwarming comedies, gripping dramas, and epic sci-fi sagas, all without commercial interruptions.

New Content Monthly: New original series, movies, and documentaries are added regularly, ensuring a fresh stream of premium content.

Global Access & Enhanced Privacy: Stream with a VPN

While Apple TV+ content availability can vary by region due to licensing agreements, your viewing doesn't have to stop when you travel abroad.

Why Use a VPN with Apple TV+?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection and allows you to obtain an IP address from your desired country. This enables you to access your home content library from anywhere and enhances your overall online security.

Watch from Anywhere:

Bypass geo-restrictions to watch your favorite shows and live sports from your Apple TV+ subscription, even when you're overseas.

Improve Security & Privacy:

Encrypt your connection to protect your personal data from third parties and enhance your overall online privacy.

Avoid ISP Throttling:

A VPN can help prevent your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from slowing down your connection during high-bandwidth activities like 4K streaming.

Recommended VPN Providers:

When choosing a VPN, select a reliable provider known for working with streaming services, as many are blocked. Top options include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, and Bitdefender.

Why Choose Apple TV+ for Sports & Premium Content?

Apple TV+ offers a unique value proposition, combining exclusive live sports with a growing library of critically acclaimed original programming, all delivered ad-free.

Your Exclusive Soccer Hub

Apple TV+ is the exclusive home for MLS Season Pass, giving you access to every live Major League Soccer match, including the regular season, playoffs, and Leagues Cup, with no blackouts.

Award-Winning Originals

Dive into a growing collection of high-quality, ad-free original series and movies like Ted Lasso, Severance, and CODA. Apple TV+ is committed to premium storytelling.

Ad-Free Viewing

Enjoy all Apple TV+ original series and movies without commercial interruptions, providing a seamless and immersive viewing experience.

Affordable Premium Streaming

Compared to many streaming services, Apple TV+ offers a compelling package of exclusive, high-quality content at a competitive price point.

Stream Seamlessly: Your Devices, Your Content

Apple TV+ is widely compatible, allowing you to watch your favorite content on most popular streaming devices.

Watch On Your Favorite Screens:

Apple Devices:

iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro.

Mobile Platforms:

Android mobile devices (via the Apple TV app from Google Play).

Media Streaming Devices:

Roku players and TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, and more.

Smart TVs & Game Consoles:

Various Smart TV models from major brands, plus PlayStation and Xbox consoles.

Premium Quality: Enjoy high-quality streams, often in 4K with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, for a truly cinematic experience on compatible devices.

Apple TV+ at a Glance: Pros & Cons

A balanced look at Apple TV+'s strengths and areas for consideration.

Pros

  • High-Quality, Ad-Free Originals: Critically acclaimed series and movies with no commercials.
  • Exclusive MLS Season Pass: Comprehensive coverage of Major League Soccer.
  • Affordable Premium Content: Competitive pricing for its unique content.
  • Generous Free Trials: Multiple options to try the service for free.
  • Excellent Video & Audio Quality: Often streams in 4K with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
  • Multiple Simultaneous Streams: Up to 6 streams per subscription.

Cons

  • Limited Content Library: Smaller catalog compared to rivals like Netflix or Max, primarily focused on originals.
  • MLS Season Pass is Additional Cost: Full MLS coverage requires a separate purchase.
  • Not a Live TV Service: Does not include traditional live sports channels (ESPN, FS1, etc.) or RSNs.
  • Limited Familiar Third-Party Content: Lacks a deep library of older, licensed shows and movies.

Amazon Prime Video Alternatives: How Does it Stack Up?

When considering Amazon Prime Video, it's helpful to see how it compares to other streaming services that offer a significant amount of live sports and entertainment.

1. Apple TV+

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Exclusive Soccer & Baseball: Home to MLS Season Pass (additional cost).
  • Friday Night Baseball.
  • Superior streaming quality (4K HDR, Dolby Atmos).

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: Highly specific for dedicated MLS fans and a good add-on for baseball, best value when integrated into Apple One bundles.

Try 7-Day Free Trial

2. FuboTV

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Broad Live Sports: 200+ channels including ESPN, NFL Network, FS1, many RSNs.
  • Strong for: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS.
  • Unlimited Cloud DVR, 10 simultaneous streams, 4K streaming (Elite plan).

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: FuboTV is ideal for comprehensive live TV with a strong sports focus, including RSNs, but consider the additional RSN fee.

Try 7-Day Free Trial

3. ESPN+

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Exclusive UFC Fight Nights, out-of-market NHL, 6,000+ NCAA games.
  • Top international soccer (La Liga, Bundesliga, FA Cup).
  • Complements: Does NOT include linear ESPN channels.

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: Best for dedicated fans of specific sports not found on linear TV, especially when bundled with Disney+ and Hulu.

Get ESPN+

4. YouTube TV

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Extensive Channels: 100+ channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, major networks.
  • Unlimited Cloud DVR: Record all your favorite sports.
  • 4K Plus add-on available. NFL Sunday Ticket add-on.

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: Excellent for broad channel selection and unlimited DVR, covering most major sports, with varying free trial lengths.

Try Free (2-21 days)

5. Hulu + Live TV

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Bundle Value: 100+ channels, includes Hulu on-demand library, Disney+, and ESPN+.
  • Unlimited cloud DVR. Live sports (NHL, Soccer, MLB, Auto Racing, NFL, College Football, PGA, Tennis).

Plans & Pricing:

  • Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads): $82.99/mo. (Visit Website)
  • Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads): $95.99/mo. (Visit Website)
  • Live TV Only: $81.99/mo. (Visit Website)
  • Legacy Bundle ($87.99/mo.): No longer available for new purchase (Learn More)

Our Take: Combines live TV (including ESPN) with a vast on-demand library and ESPN+ exclusives, but be aware of legacy plan availability.

Try 3-Day Free Trial

6. DIRECTV STREAM

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Premium Sports: Strongest offering for RSNs (Regional Sports Networks) from Choice plan upwards.
  • Dedicated league channels (MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network on higher tiers).
  • Unlimited cloud DVR, up to 20 simultaneous streams in-home.

Plans & Pricing:

  • Entertainment: $84.99/mo. (90+ channels, no RSNs) (Visit Website)
  • Choice: $89.99/mo. (First month $59.99, includes RSNs) (Visit Website)
  • Ultimate: $119.99/mo. (First month $89.99) (Visit Website)
  • Premier: $164.99/mo. (Includes all premium networks) (Visit Website)

Our Take: Ideal for extensive channels, especially if RSNs are crucial for local team coverage, with a robust simultaneous streaming capability.

Try 5-Day Free Trial

7. Sling TV

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Budget-Friendly: Customizable packages.
  • Orange includes ESPN; Blue includes NFL Network.
  • 50 hours DVR.

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: Most affordable option to get live ESPN or NFL Network, with customizable add-ons and a significant first-month discount.

Get 50% Off First Month

8. Peacock Premium

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Niche Sports: Exclusive Premier League matches.
  • Big Ten sports, IndyCar, and simulcasts of Sunday Night Football.
  • Current seasons of NBC and Bravo programming.

Plans & Pricing:

  • Premium (with ads): $10.99/mo. or $109.99/yr. (Visit Website)
  • Premium Plus (ad-free, downloads): $16.99/mo. or $169.99/yr. (Visit Website)
  • New "Select" Tier: $7.99/mo. or $79.99/yr. (No sports content) (Learn More)
  • Price Change Effective: July 23, 2025 (New/Returning) / August 22, 2025 (Existing) (Details)

Our Take: Best for Premier League soccer and Big Ten fans on a budget, with tiered options and recent price adjustments.

Start Free Trial

9. Paramount+

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • CBS Sports Content: Exclusive access to NFL on CBS.
  • SEC football, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, NWSL.
  • Showtime originals (with Showtime plan).

Plans & Pricing:

  • Essential (with ads): $7.99/mo. or $59.99/yr. (Visit Website)
  • with Showtime (ad-free, downloads): $12.99/mo. or $119.99/yr. (Visit Website)
  • Student Discount: 50% off for 12 months (Get Discount)
  • Senior Discount (AARP): 10% off (Get Discount)
  • Price Change Effective: August 20 (New) / September 20 (Existing for With Showtime) (Details)

Our Take: Essential for fans of CBS Sports, especially European soccer and NWSL, with valuable student and senior discounts available.

Try 7-Day Free Trial

10. Amazon Prime Video

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Exclusive NFL: Home of Thursday Night Football.
  • New for 2025: NBA games (66 regular season games, playoffs), NASCAR.
  • Features WNBA games, NWSL, Premier Boxing Champions, ONE Championship.

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: Great for NFL fans who also use Prime for shopping and other content, with a rapidly expanding live sports portfolio.

Try 30-Day Free Trial

Key Difference Summary

While FuboTV excels in broad live sports and RSN coverage, other services offer unique value propositions. ESPN+ focuses on exclusive niche sports, YouTube TV provides unlimited DVR and a wide channel selection, Hulu + Live TV bundles entertainment with live TV, DIRECTV STREAM offers premium RSN access and multiple streams, Sling TV is highly customizable and budget-friendly, and services like Peacock, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+ cater to specific sports leagues or content types, often with unique bundling opportunities.

What Fans Are Saying About Apple TV+

Here's what viewers are saying about the quality and value of Apple TV+:

"The quality of shows like 'Severance' and 'Ted Lasso' is outstanding. It's all killer, no filler. I'd rather have a few amazing shows than a thousand mediocre ones."

- Quality-First Viewer

"As a huge soccer fan, the MLS Season Pass is a dream come true. Every single game, no blackouts, all in one place. It's the best sports package I've ever bought."

- Soccer Fanatic

"For the price, the value is unbeatable. Getting 4K, ad-free originals that my whole family can watch on different screens is a steal."

- Budget-Conscious Streamer

"I got 3 months free with my new iPhone and I was hooked. The user interface is so clean and I love that there are no commercials."

- New Apple User

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Apple TV+

How can I get Apple TV+ for free?

While Apple TV+ is a paid service, it has some of the most generous trial offers. New users can get a 7-day free trial. You can also get 3 months free with the purchase of a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV.

Does Apple TV+ have ads?

No, all Apple Original series and movies are completely ad-free. Live sports events, such as Friday Night Baseball, will have commercial breaks just as they would on traditional television.

Do I need an Apple device to watch?

No. The Apple TV app is widely available on most popular devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast with Google TV, Samsung and LG smart TVs, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles. You can also watch in a web browser at tv.apple.com.

Is MLS Season Pass included with Apple TV+?

No, MLS Season Pass is a separate subscription. However, Apple TV+ subscribers do receive a significant discount on the monthly or seasonal price of the MLS Season Pass.

What kind of content is on Apple TV+?

The service focuses almost exclusively on Apple Originals—high-budget, critically acclaimed series, films, and documentaries. Unlike services like Netflix or Hulu, it does not have a large library of older, licensed third-party content.

How many people can watch at the same time?

A single Apple TV+ subscription supports up to six simultaneous streams. You can share your subscription with up to five other family members using Apple's Family Sharing feature.

Ready to Discover Your Next Favorite Show?

Apple TV+ delivers a premium, curated streaming experience. From exclusive live sports like MLS Season Pass to a growing library of award-winning, ad-free original content, it offers exceptional quality at a competitive price.

Explore the world of Apple Originals and see why critics and audiences are raving. Start your free trial today!

Looking for what to watch? Visit the LiveCloak Homepage for guides and reviews on the latest streaming content!