What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
You now watch Apple TV through the Apple TV app, possibly using an Apple TV 4K. That sentence is confusing because Apple TV+—Apple’s paid streaming service—quietly changed its name to simply Apple TV in October 2025.
The important part: Apple did not launch a replacement service, discontinue existing subscriptions, or rename the Apple TV app. It removed the “+” from the service’s branding.
When did Apple TV+ become Apple TV?
Apple introduced the new name on October 13, 2025, in a press release announcing the streaming debut of F1 The Movie. The rebrand appeared as a brief line in an announcement primarily about the film, rather than in a dedicated naming campaign. Apple described it as a “vibrant new identity.”
By January 2026, Apple was also referring to the service as having a “bold new identity,” including a new mnemonic created by FINNEAS. In other words, the change happened in October 2025; it was not a new rebrand in 2026.
#1 Best Overall
- 4K High Dynamic Range (Dolby Vision and HDR10) for stunning picture quality
- Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound
- A10X Fusion chip for ultra-fast graphics and performance
- Voice search by asking the Siri Remote
What actually changed?
Only the primary brand name changed:
- Former name: Apple TV+
- Current name: Apple TV
Apple did not create a second streaming platform. The same subscription service continues to offer Apple Originals through the Apple TV app and supported devices. Existing subscribers were not asked to move to a separate service or resubscribe because of the name change.
Apple senior vice president of Services Eddy Cue explained that Apple generally uses “+” for paid versions of services that also have a free counterpart, such as iCloud+ and News+. He said Apple TV+ had reached a point where Apple believed it could simply use Apple TV, and that people already commonly referred to it that way. That is Apple’s stated reasoning—not proof that research showed the new name was clearer for customers.
The four different things “Apple TV” can mean
The new branding is confusing because Apple already used similar names for several products and services.
Recommended Free Tools
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Apple TV | The paid streaming service formerly called Apple TV+, with Apple Originals and selected live sports. |
| Apple TV app | The app used to watch Apple Originals, access channels and other services, rent or buy movies, and view previous purchases. |
| Apple TV 4K | Apple’s dedicated streaming set-top box. |
| tvOS | The operating system used by Apple TV hardware. |
So “watch Apple TV on the Apple TV app using an Apple TV 4K” can be technically accurate while still being terrible everyday wording. The old “+” at least made the subscription easier to distinguish from the app and hardware.
Rank #2
- Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance optimized for 4K TVs.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
Apple has not announced that it renamed the Apple TV 4K. Its current materials continue to call the device Apple TV 4K. Nor did Apple rename the app: it was already called the Apple TV app.
What did not change?
The rebrand did not fundamentally alter the service’s product model:
- The Apple Originals catalog remains the core offering.
- The service is still accessed through the Apple TV app and the web.
- It remains available on Apple devices, many smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation, Xbox, and other supported platforms.
- Apple’s U.S. pages currently describe the service as ad-free.
- Apple’s U.S. service page lists the price as $12.99 per month with a seven-day trial for new subscribers. This is a U.S. price checked in 2026, not a worldwide price or a permanent guarantee.
You do not need an Apple TV 4K box to subscribe. If your television, console, streaming stick, or web browser supports the Apple TV app, you can use that instead. Check Apple’s current service page for regional pricing, eligibility, and supported devices.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe Apple TV app is not the same as an Apple TV subscription
This is the distinction most explanations leave out. The Apple TV app is a broader hub and storefront, not just a container for the Apple TV subscription.
Rank #3
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Depending on your device and region, the app can include:
- Apple Originals included with an Apple TV subscription
- Live sports
- Third-party channels and streaming services
- Movies rented or purchased separately
- Previously purchased iTunes content
Seeing a title in the Apple TV app does not necessarily mean it is included with an Apple TV subscription. Some content requires a separate rental, purchase, channel subscription, or subscription to another service. Apple’s app overview explains the app’s broader role.
Why the name became more important in 2026
The service is no longer positioned only as a home for Apple-produced dramas, comedies, documentaries, and films. In the United States, Apple began carrying Formula 1 races exclusively on Apple TV in 2026 under its five-year agreement with Formula 1. Apple also lists MLS and Friday Night Baseball among the sports available through the service.
That broader entertainment role may help explain why “Apple TV” is more useful to Apple as an umbrella name than “Apple TV+.” It can cover scripted programming and live sports without sounding like a premium tier of a separate free Apple TV service. However, Apple has not explicitly said that F1 caused the name change. That connection is a reasonable strategic inference, not a confirmed explanation.
Rank #4
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
The sports rights are also geography-specific. The F1 exclusivity discussed here applies to the United States; availability varies by country and by event.
How to watch Apple TV now
If you want an Apple Original
- Open the Apple TV app on a supported device, or visit tv.apple.com.
- Sign in with your Apple Account.
- Find the Apple Original or subscription section.
- Check whether the title is included with Apple TV or requires a separate purchase, rental, or third-party subscription.
If you want Formula 1 in the U.S.
- Open the Apple TV app on a supported device or visit the web version.
- Subscribe to Apple TV or use an eligible trial.
- Open the live sports or Formula 1 area.
- Check the event listing and local availability, since sports schedules and rights can change.
The exact menu labels can differ between smart TVs, consoles, streaming devices, and operating-system versions, so there is no single navigation path that applies everywhere.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does buying Apple TV 4K make sense?
Not if your only reason is to access the streaming service. Apple TV is available on many existing televisions and streaming devices, so trying the subscription on hardware you already own is the sensible first step.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Apple TV 4K may make sense if you specifically want Apple’s dedicated living-room interface, AirPlay, Apple-device integration, and a separate streaming box. It is hardware, however—not a requirement for an Apple TV subscription.
Best Value
- Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound for immersive, room-filling sound - 1080p HD high-quality video for fluid, crisp video
- Apple A8 chip gives a big boost to audio, video, and graphics, for even better game and app experiences than ever before
- Smooth, easy voice search by asking the Siri Remote - Use AirPlay to share photos, videos, and more from your device on your TV
- Apple Original shows and movies from Apple TV+ - Watch the latest hits from Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and more
- More ways to enjoy your TV with Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, and Apple Music - Private listening using up to two sets of AirPods
Readers who already pay for several Apple services may also compare Apple TV with Apple One. A bundle can make more sense than a standalone subscription in some countries and plan combinations, but prices and included services vary by region.
Is Apple TV included in everything shown in the app?
No. Apple TV covers the subscription’s included programming, while the Apple TV app can also display content from other services, rentals, purchases, and channels. Always check the title’s purchase or subscription label before assuming it is included.
Don’t confuse the rebrand with the tvOS redesign
Apple also introduced a redesigned Apple TV experience in tvOS 26, using its Liquid Glass visual language. That is a software-interface update, not the event that renamed Apple TV+.
There are three separate developments:
- October 2025: the Apple TV+ service was renamed Apple TV.
- Late 2025 and 2026: Apple promoted a new visual identity and mnemonic.
- tvOS 26: Apple TV hardware received a redesigned software experience.
The bottom line
Apple TV+ really did become Apple TV, but the underlying subscription service did not become a different product. Apple kept the Apple Originals catalog, app-based viewing model, supported-device approach, and subscription structure, while removing the one character that helped distinguish the service from the Apple TV app and Apple TV 4K hardware.
When clarity matters, call it Apple’s Apple TV streaming service on first reference. That is still less elegant than the old name—but it tells readers exactly what you mean.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
