Apple TV+ is growing popular thanks to its lineup of original programming, such as Ted Lasso and Home Before Dark. And you don’t even have to own an Apple TV streaming device to watch your favorite shows and movies; you can download the Apple TV+ app on a number of streaming devices, including Roku.
In order to watch your Apple TV+ content on Roku, you will need an account with Apple TV+. But you won’t have to pay extra to download the channel or experience any content restrictions. Users who view Apple TV+ shows on Roku get all the good stuff they could expect if they had an Apple device.
What is Apple TV+?
Apple TVs have been around since 2007, but the streaming service didn’t launch until 2019. Users can access original content for just $5/mo., with a 7-day free trial to start. In addition to its original content, Apple TV+ also allows users to download additional channels. For instance, you can add Paramount+ to your Apple TV+ experience for an additional monthly fee. Once added, you can see all of your channels from the Apple TV+ home screen.
Watch Apple TV+ on these Roku streaming devices
Roku has a number of different devices at various price points. If you already have a TV you’re happy with, you can save money by sticking with a small streaming device. Or go all-in with a Roku TV from a number of popular brands.
You can watch Apple TV+ on the following streaming devices:
- Roku TV: Roku TVs are smart TVs available in a variety of brands. These include Philips, Sanyo, Magnavox, and RCA. Your Roku TV makes it easy to access the Apple TV+ app with your Roku remote, but you can also connect the TV to your cable box if you have one and stream in HD, 4K, and HDR. Roku TVs are compatible with Alexa and are typically priced between about $123-$298.
- Roku Express: Roku Express is the smallest, simplest, and most affordable Roku player. At just $29.99, it comes with an HDMI cable that plugs into the side of any smart television. The remote is also no-frills. You can stream HD quality on this device.
- Roku Express 4K: The Roku Express 4K is similarly small, but it also offers 4K and HDR quality. It also has faster wireless performance than the regular Roku Express device. The remote control offers voice search. You can say “Watch Apple TV Plus” to quickly pull up the Apple TV+ channel. The Roku Express 4K is priced at $29.99.
- Roku Streaming Stick+: This device is thinner than the Roku Express devices and has a longer range for wireless connection. Like other Roku devices, the setup is fast and downloading the Apple TV+ channel is easy. This model is better than the Roku Express for wall-mounted TVs, because it doesn’t require a cable — it plugs right into the side of your TV. The Roku Streaming Stick+ has a regular price of $39.
- Roku Ultra: This Roku device includes a small streaming box and a smart remote. In addition to voice control, you can also enjoy private listening by plugging standard earphones into the remote. Plus, the Roku Ultra has lost remote finder and personal shortcuts. In addition to streaming in HD, 4K, and HDR, you can use the Roku Ultra with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and Bluetooth. This device comes priced at $85.
- Roku Streambar: The Streambar+ is large but also comes with additional features. The devices can handle HD, 4K, HDR, and Dolby Audio. Plus, the Roku Streambar+ quiets loud commercials. You can enjoy Bluetooth streaming, and the remote has voice controls and private listening. The Streambar+ can be used as a music player by connecting it to another bluetooth device, such as a phone app. The standard price for this Roku model is $99.99.
- Roku Streambar Pro: The long, thin design of this Roku device makes it easy to place it beneath your TV or on an entertainment center shelf. The Roku Streambar Pro features Bluetooth streaming, plus virtual surround sound. This is the best device for large rooms or small home theaters. The voice remote has private listening and personal shortcuts for your favorite apps. The most expensive option, the Roku Streambar Pro, runs at $180 regular price.
A step-by-step guide to watching Apple TV+ on Roku devices
Getting started with Apple TV+ on your Roku device is easy — even if you don’t have Apple TV+ yet. Here are five easy steps to watching the Apple TV+ on Roku.
1. Sign up for Apple TV+
You can sign up for Apple TV+ on any Apple device — the app comes standard on iPhones and iPads. You can even use an existing Apple ID to sign up and pay using your existing app payment source. If you don’t have an Apple phone or tablet, navigate to tv.apple.com on any web browser. Click “Start your free trial” and follow the prompts to create an account and provide payment information. You will have one free week before you’re charged for the first month of service.
2. Run your Roku device
Fire up your Roku device and go to the home screen. If your Roku is also brand new, follow the instructions for connecting your Roku to your home internet network (you will need your home’s wi-fi password for this). Then go to the Roku home screen.
3. Add Apple TV+ to your Roku service
Use the voice control on your remote to say “Apple TV Plus.” Or, go to the Menu screen and then choose “Streaming Channels” to search for Apple TV+. Either way, once you are on the Apple TV+ screen, you just need to click “Add Channel” to begin the download. The app will automatically be added to your Roku channel list and home screen.
4. Open the Apple TV+ app on Roku
Go to the Roku home screen and click on the new Apple TV+ logo in black and white. The first time you click it, you will be asked for your Apple ID credentials. After that, you will remain logged in unless you need to update your password.
5. Find your favorite programs
Open Apple TV+ and use your remote to find your favorite programs, including comedy, drama, and documentaries. You can also use the Roku voice control on compatible remotes within the Apple TV+ app to find a specific program. For instance, say “Watch episode 1 of Defending Jacob.“
What can I watch on Apple TV+ with Roku devices?
Apple TV+ shines with its original content. It has created fan-favorite shows in Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, and Mythic Quest. You can also check out what the streamer calls Nonfiction Series, including The Me You Can’t See and Tiny World. Apple is also creating its own feature films. You can stream On the Rocks, Letter to You, The Banker, and more on your Roku app. Apple TV+ releases new shows and movies every few months, so there is usually something new dropping.
The final cut
Apple TV+ on Roku is a great combination. Apple TV+ is just $5/mo., and Roku doesn’t charge extra to add the channel to your Roku lineup. And, Roku does not charge a monthly fee to use it. You just need to tap into your home internet and start streaming. Overall, we think it’s a great deal.