Can I Watch Apple TV on My iPhone? A Complete Guide
Apple TV+ has quickly become a major player in the streaming video landscape since launching in 2019. With hit original shows and movies like Ted Lasso, Severance, CODA, and For All Mankind, Apple TV+ offers compelling content. But can you actually watch Apple TV+ shows and movies directly on your iPhone?
The answer is yes – the Apple TV app comes preloaded on iPhones, making it easy to access Apple TV+ content on the go. With just a few taps, you can be watching top-notch original programming on your iPhone.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about watching Apple TV+ on an iPhone, from the requirements to how to sign up to tips for the best viewing experience.
Requirements for Watching Apple TV+ on iPhone
To watch Apple TV+ on an iPhone, you need to meet the following requirements:
An iPhone model from iPhone 5s or later – Apple TV+ is supported on iPhones going back to the iPhone 5s which was released in 2013. As long as you have an iPhone 5s or newer model, you can install the Apple TV app from the App Store and watch Apple TV+.
The latest iOS version – Make sure your iPhone is updated to the newest version of iOS, the operating system that runs on iPhones. Apple TV+ requires iOS 12.3 or later. Keeping your iPhone’s software up to date ensures maximum compatibility with apps like Apple TV.
An Apple ID account – You need an Apple ID to sign in to the Apple TV app. If you already use your iPhone, you likely have an Apple ID set up that you can use. If not, create a free Apple ID which you’ll use to access Apple services.
An active Apple TV+ subscription – To watch content on Apple TV+, you need to subscribe. Apple TV+ is $4.99 per month after a free 7-day trial upon signing up. Make sure you are actively subscribed to view Apple TV+ shows and movies.
As long as you meet these core requirements, your iPhone is ready to start streaming Apple TV+.
How to Watch Apple TV+ on Your iPhone
Watching Apple TV+ on an iPhone is very straightforward since the Apple TV app comes preinstalled. Just follow these steps:
Open the Apple TV app – Locate and open the Apple TV app on your iPhone’s home screen. The app icon looks like a white TV screen with a rainbow-colored film strip.
Sign in – When you open the Apple TV app, you’ll be prompted to sign in with your Apple ID. Enter your Apple ID email and password to sign in. This gives you access to Apple TV+ content.
Browse or search for content – The Apple TV app will showcase featured shows and movies. Browse through categories like comedies, dramas, family entertainment, and more to find shows that interest you. Or use the search bar to find a specific title.
Tap a title to start watching – Once you’ve found a show or movie you want to watch, simply tap the title. This will immediately start playing the video.
Video playback features – As the video plays, you can pause, rewind, or fast forward. Turn subtitles on or off. Continue to the next episode if it’s a series. Everything works seamlessly in the app.
And that’s all there is to it! Within a few taps on your iPhone, you’ll be watching Apple TV+ originals.
Tips for the Best Watching Experience
Here are some tips to improve your Apple TV+ viewing experience on an iPhone:
Use headphones – Plug headphones into your iPhone for better sound quality. The small speakers on the iPhone itself provide limited audio, so headphones greatly enhance the sound for a more immersive experience.
Download for offline viewing – If you don’t have an internet connection, you can download Apple TV+ shows and movies to your iPhone to watch offline. Downloads make viewing possible during commutes, flights, or anywhere without WiFi or cellular data.
Adjust brightness – Make sure to adjust your iPhone’s screen brightness for comfortable viewing. Dim the brightness for darker viewing environments.
Use dark mode – Enable dark mode on your iPhone for a great viewing experience at night or in darker settings. The darker screen is less harsh on your eyes.
AirPlay to a TV – Use AirPlay to wirelessly stream Apple TV+ content from your iPhone to a compatible smart TV. AirPlay mirrors your iPhone display onto the bigger TV screen.
Get a stand or mount – Prop up your iPhone or mount it on a stand for hands-free watching. This prevents you from having to hold your phone the entire time.
Charge when watching – Plug your iPhone into a power source if the battery is low before starting a viewing session. This ensures the battery doesn’t run out mid-video.
By following these handy tips, you can have the best possible Apple TV+ viewing sessions right on your iPhone screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about watching Apple TV+ on an iPhone:
Does iPhone cellular data work for watching Apple TV+?
Yes, you can use your iPhone’s cellular data or a mobile hotspot for streaming if WiFi isn’t available. Just be aware of your monthly data limits when watching on cellular. Downloading titles for offline viewing can help minimize cellular data usage.
Can I AirPlay Apple TV+ to my smart TV?
AirPlaying from your iPhone to your TV is fully supported. Launch a video in the Apple TV app, then swipe down from the top of your iPhone screen to access AirPlay controls. Tap your smart TV and the video will start playing on your television while still being controlled from the iPhone.
Does Apple TV+ offer downloads for offline viewing?
Absolutely. Most Apple TV+ titles allow you to download them to your device so you can watch without an internet connection. Downloads are available for both iOS and iPadOS devices. Tap the download icon next to the video title to save it offline.
Can I watch Apple TV+ on multiple devices?
Apple TV+ supports streaming on multiple screens with a single subscription. You can have up to six simultaneous streams through Family Sharing. So each member of a family can watch different shows at the same time on their own devices.
What iPhone models support Apple TV+?
Apple TV+ is compatible with iPhone models going back to the iPhone 5s and newer. This includes the entire iPhone 6/6s/7/8/X and 11 lineups. The latest iPhones fully support the Apple TV app and Apple TV+ service.
Conclusion
Thanks to the preloaded Apple TV app, watching Apple TV+ on your iPhone couldn’t be easier. Simply open the app, sign in with your Apple ID, choose a show or movie, and start streaming or downloading for offline viewing. With your subscription, you get access to Apple’s impressive lineup of original programming like Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, and See.
Follow the viewing tips covered here for the optimal Apple TV+ experience on your iPhone. Sit back and enjoy the high-quality shows and movies on your iPhone screen, or use AirPlay to watch on a larger television. Either way, Apple TV+ offers stellar entertainment portably on your iPhone.
