Apple TV+ details: Australian price, date, shows, features

After a steady run of rumours, leaks and speculation, Apple has finally released its streaming TV service. Apple TV+ is a genuine rival to Netflix, offering on-demand and exclusive TV series and movies from some of the world's best storytellers. Here is everything you need to know about Apple TV+ before deciding whether or not to tune in.

What is Apple TV+?

Apple TV+ is a subscription, on-demand streaming TV service. It shares many similarities with the Netflix premium service. This includes 4K video, Dolby Atmos audio on most content, family sharing for up to six users, and the ability to stream on six devices simultaneously. Like Netflix content can be downloaded for offline use, too.

When does Apple TV+ release?

Apple TV+ will release in Australia on 2 November 2019. Over 100 countries across the globe will get access to the service on the same day.

How much will Apple TV+ cost?

Monthly pricing for Apple TV+ sits at AU$7.99. There are no pricing tiers as with some streaming services, so that $7.99 is all you'll pay for full access to all Apple TV+ content at the highest resolution.

Apple is also offering a 7-day free trial for all new Apple TV+ subscribers. Plus, if you buy a new Apple product, it will come with a year's subscription for free.

Which devices will Apple TV+ be available on?

In addition to the usual suspects, iPhone, iPad and Apple TV, Apple TV+ will be available on Mac and iPod Touch. At launch, a native app will also be available on Samsung TVs, with Sony and LG smart TV support coming in the near future. Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Airplay support are also confirmed, plus you can watch it through the Apple website on a browser.

As mentioned above, all Apple TV+ titles will be available for offline viewing.

What exclusive TV shows will be coming to Apple TV+?

Only nine shows (eight TV series and one movie) are available at launch, with a steady stream of additional content arriving well into the future. One of the big pluses of Apple TV, pun intended, is that all that content is exclusive, new content. The shows have big impressive budgets and have big stars attached.

This was clearly evident during Apple's initial reveal presentation of Apple TV+. First to take the stage was Steven Spielberg, who introduced his upcoming anthology series Amazing Stories, a remake of the 1985 NBC series of the same name.

Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and Steve Carrell all took to the stage to discuss their upcoming drama-comedy series The Morning Show, which takes aim at sexism and inequality in a US morning show studio.

Jason Momoa (Aquaman) and Alfre Woodward (Luke Cage) also arrived on stage to introduce the dystopian sci-fi drama See. Kumail Nanjiani (The Big Sick) lightened things up with a tight routine about his experience moving to Ohio from Pakistan before discussing Little America, and JJ Abrams introduced Sara Bareilles, who performed an original track from her upcoming series Little Voice.

This section of the presentation ended with a regal introduction to TV royalty, Oprah Winfrey. Oprah is working on a number of documentaries for Apple including Toxic Labour, a workplace expose, a multi-part mental health series and a Book Club series where Oprah interviews her favourite authors.

There are over 40 productions in the works for the Apple TV+ service, and you can learn more about them all here. This includes reviews of all the launch titles.

What is Apple Channels?

Apple Channels is part of the revamped Apple TV app. Apple Channels will allow users to trial and subscribe to a huge number of cable and Internet TV services via the Apple TV interface (meaning that you won't have to leave the app to subscribe to a particular service).

Among the selection of channels that will be available at launch are MUBI, CBS All Access, SHOWTIME, Starz, HBO, Cinemax and AMC's suite of on-demand services (Sundance Now, Shudder, Acorn TV). It's a separate service to Apple TV+ even if they're accessible through the same app.

All titles and services will be enabled for Family Sharing and can be downloaded for offline play. The Apple Channels recommendation algorithm will also take into consideration TV shows and movies from the channels/services you are subscribed to.

There's also a Kids Channels app à la YouTube Kids with curated family-friendly content and channels.

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