Here's a deal that has me doing a double-take on Apple TV+ pricing. The streaming service just slashed its monthly rate to $5.99 for new and returning subscribers (Tom's Guide), which represents a substantial 54% discount from the current $12.99 monthly rate (ZDNET). What makes this particularly compelling is that this promotional pricing essentially takes Apple TV+ back to what users were paying three years ago, before the service underwent multiple price increases that brought it to its current premium tier.
The timing of this deal couldn't be better for budget-conscious streamers looking to expand their entertainment options without breaking the bank. Available from November 21 through December 1 (MacRumors Forums), this limited-time offer provides significant savings that extend well into 2026. After the promotional period ends, subscribers will automatically transition to the standard $12.99 monthly rate unless they choose to cancel beforehand (iDrop News).
Who can take advantage of this deal?
This promotional pricing targets a specific audience: new subscribers and those who haven't maintained an active Apple TV+ subscription recently. Current subscribers won't be eligible for the discount (MacRumors Forums), nor will customers whose subscriptions are billed through third-party services like Amazon Prime or cable providers. International users aren't left out either, with European customers able to access the same deal at €4.99 per month for six months (MacRumors Forums).
The promotional structure is refreshingly straightforward. Subscribers can sign up directly through Apple's website during the promotional window, and the discounted rate will automatically apply for the first six months (The Streamable). This approach eliminates the complexity often associated with streaming deals, making it accessible to users who simply want quality content at a reasonable price point.
What makes Apple TV+ worth your attention?
Apple TV+ has transformed significantly since its 2019 launch, evolving from a service with limited content to a platform housing critically acclaimed originals. The service focuses exclusively on original programming (The Streamable), which means subscribers won't find licensed content from other studios, but they will discover award-winning series and films that have garnered industry recognition.
Recent successes include Emmy-nominated series like "Severance" and "Ted Lasso," plus films like "CODA," which won the Oscar for Best Picture (A Good Movie to Watch). Shows like "Tehran," "For All Mankind," and "Foundation" have demonstrated Apple's commitment to diverse, high-production storytelling that rivals traditional networks.
The technical experience matches the content quality, with subscribers able to stream in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support (The Streamable). Family sharing allows up to six people to use one subscription at no additional cost (The Streamable), making it particularly valuable for households. Additionally, Apple TV+ recently secured a major sports deal with Formula 1, which will begin carrying all F1 races starting with the 2026 season (The Streamable). This addition signals Apple's intent to diversify beyond scripted content into premium live sports.
What's particularly noteworthy is how Apple TV+ has focused on quality over quantity. The service may not have the massive content library of Netflix or Disney+, but what they do offer tends to be carefully curated and well-produced. This "boutique" approach has resulted in consistent critical acclaim and awards recognition, making the platform a destination for viewers seeking premium storytelling rather than endless scrolling options.
Understanding the pricing evolution
Let's break down how we got here. Apple TV+ launched at $4.99 per month in 2019 and maintained that price point for nearly three years (A Good Movie to Watch). The first significant price increase came in 2022, raising the monthly fee by 40% to $6.99 (A Good Movie to Watch). A second increase in 2023 brought the price to $9.99 per month, representing a 30% jump from the previous rate (A Good Movie to Watch).
This Black Friday deal essentially offers the 2022 pricing for half a year, providing substantial value for new subscribers. The promotional pricing makes Apple TV+ competitive with other major streaming services during the deal period. At $5.99 monthly, it undercuts many competitors and provides access to a curated library that prioritizes quality over quantity (Red Flag Deals). For users who prefer to sample different services throughout the year rather than maintaining multiple subscriptions simultaneously, this deal offers an excellent opportunity to experience Apple's content offerings without a long-term financial commitment.
The price evolution tells a compelling story about Apple's strategic approach. They essentially used an extended introductory period to build their content library and subscriber base, then gradually increased prices as their value proposition strengthened with award-winning content and technical improvements. This Black Friday promotion could be seen as a way to re-engage lapsed subscribers and attract new ones who may have been deterred by recent price increases, while also competing more aggressively in the crowded holiday streaming market.
Making the most of six months
The promotional period extends into early 2026, giving subscribers ample time to explore Apple TV+'s content library (iDrop News). This timeline allows viewers to catch up on critically acclaimed series and position themselves for upcoming releases. The service's focus on original content means that much of what's available won't be found elsewhere, making this an ideal time to experience shows and films that have generated significant industry buzz.
For those considering the annual subscription option, Apple TV+ normally costs $99 per year (iDrop News). The six-month promotional deal at $5.99 monthly totals $35.94, making it significantly more affordable than even the annual rate when calculated on a per-month basis. This pricing structure demonstrates Apple's commitment to attracting new subscribers and giving them substantial time to evaluate the service's value proposition.
The six-month window is strategically designed—it's long enough to watch multiple complete series, experience seasonal content releases, and develop viewing habits, but not so long that subscribers forget they're on a promotional rate. This creates a natural decision point where users must actively evaluate whether the service is worth the full price, potentially leading to more conscious subscription decisions rather than forgotten recurring charges.
Your streaming strategy for 2025
This Apple TV+ promotion represents more than just a discount—it's an opportunity to diversify your entertainment options strategically. Rather than maintaining multiple streaming subscriptions year-round, savvy viewers can rotate services based on promotional offers and content releases (Tom's Guide Archive). The six-month promotional window provides enough time to thoroughly explore Apple's content library while potentially taking breaks from other services to manage overall entertainment costs.
Consider using this period to catch up on Apple's most celebrated content: binge "Severance" before season two arrives, experience the complete "Ted Lasso" journey, or explore their growing documentary collection. The service's relatively focused catalog means you can realistically sample most of what interests you within the promotional timeframe.
The deal runs through December 1 (CNET), giving interested subscribers a limited window to secure this pricing. With streaming costs continuing to rise across the industry, promotional opportunities like this become increasingly valuable for consumers looking to access premium content without premium prices. Whether you're new to Apple TV+ or a returning subscriber ready to give the service another try, this Black Friday offer provides compelling value that brings the service back to its more accessible pricing roots.
PRO TIP: If you're planning to take advantage of this deal, consider creating a calendar reminder for month five to evaluate whether you want to continue at the full price. This gives you time to decide without the pressure of an automatic renewal catching you off guard, and allows you to plan your streaming budget accordingly for 2026.
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