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Apple TV+ has a smaller catalog of shows, but that could be its secret weapon

Apple TV+ has a smaller catalog of shows, but that could be its secret weapon

With 12+ years in digital media, he has led teams at CNET, Digital Trends and more. As a longtime cord-cutter, he knows the ins and outs of what and how we're all watching.

Apple TV+ may not have the massive catalog of shows and movies that platforms like Netflix or Prime Video boast, but that actually works in its favor. While competitors can overwhelm you with countless options, Apple TV+ keeps things simple and focused. And in the world of streaming, sometimes less really is more.

One of the biggest benefits of a smaller catalog is the production quality. Apple doesn’t need to churn out hundreds of titles to stay relevant. Instead, every show, movie, and documentary feels like it’s been carefully crafted. While other streamers try to create as many titles as possible, hoping a small fraction catches the public’s attention, Apple TV+ focuses on quality over quantity. Whether it’s the sharp direction in “Severance” or the star-studded performances in “The Morning Show,” Apple TV+ delivers a consistently high level of quality. From visual effects to sound design, there’s a level of attention to detail that makes each piece of content stand out. It’s clear that Apple is all about curating a collection of shows that have high production values and strong storytelling.

There’s a lot to like about Apple TV+ class

Because the catalog is smaller, it’s also easier to find something new to watch. With Netflix, you might spend more time scrolling through endless options than actually watching anything. With Apple TV+, the process is far quicker. There’s a more focused selection, so you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed. Plus, with the quality of content that Apple offers, you’re more likely to be satisfied with whatever you pick as well. Whether it’s drama, comedy, or science fiction, the content is consistently high in terms of quality, so you’re not wasting time on shows that don’t live up to expectations.

Another aspect that makes browsing Apple TV+ a better experience is the platform’s user interface. It doesn’t just push content because it’s new or it’s something that Apple wants to promote that week. Instead, it highlights what’s trending and what’s genuinely popular among viewers. That means you’re more likely to discover something that’s getting a lot of buzz, instead of getting buried under titles that don’t match your interests. You won’t find yourself scrolling endlessly through options that don’t appeal to you, which saves time and frustration.

While it may seem like a small thing, it’s actually proven to be super effective for my usage. I’ve found several shows through the recommendations, and ended up really liking most of them. Additionally, unlike other platforms that make you scroll through rows and rows of suggested titles, Apple TV+ puts its Continue Watching carousel at the top of their menu, making it easier to get right back to streaming the shows you are already invested in.

It’s affordable, especially when bundled

Now, let’s talk about the price. Apple TV+ is one of the more affordable streaming services out there, priced at just $10 per month. For that price, you get access to all of its original content, including both the latest hits and past releases. Plus, Apple offers a seven-day free trial, so you can explore the service before committing to a subscription. And if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, there’s even more value. Apple TV+ is included with several of the company’s subscription bundles. For example, you can get Apple TV+ as part of the Apple One bundle, which includes Apple Music, iCloud storage, and more, starting at $17 per month. This makes it a can’t-miss deal if you’re already using other Apple services.

Another perk is that Apple TV+ is often included in promotions, such as free access for three months with the purchase of certain Apple devices. This is a great extra perk for anyone buying a new Apple product to dive into the service without worrying about the extra cost for a while. Before I subscribed to Apple One, I used one of the free trials for three months to see if I would actually use the service or not.

In a crowded streaming market, Apple TV+ stands out because it offers something different. The smaller catalog means Apple can focus on creating high-quality content that gets people talking. The pricing is competitive, especially when you bundle it with other Apple services, and the interface makes finding something to watch a lot less of a chore. So while Apple TV+ might not have the sheer volume of its competitors, its curated approach to streaming ensures that the content it does have is worth your time.

Apple TV

Apple TV (formerly known as Apple TV+) is a subscription video streaming service for $14.99 per month, offering a growing slate of original series, films, documentaries, and specials. Unlike other platforms that combine licensed titles with originals, Apple TV is built entirely around exclusive programming, making it the home of critically acclaimed hits such as “Ted Lasso,” “Severance,” “The Morning Show,” and “Silo.” Its lineup continues to expand with award-winning dramas, comedies, family-friendly shows, and blockbuster original films like “CODA,” which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

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In October 2025, Apple TV agreed to a deal with Formula 1 to exclusively broadcast all Formula 1 races starting with the 2026 season.

Apple TV also features coverage of all regular-season matches for Major League Soccer (MLS) at no additional cost.

On August 28th, 2026, the price of Apple TV was increased from $12.99 per month to $14.99 per month, the second increase in as many years.

The service is available worldwide through the Apple TV app, which is built into Apple devices and supported on most smart TVs, streaming players like Roku and Fire TV, game consoles, and web browsers. Subscribers can watch on demand, download episodes and movies for offline viewing, and stream in 4K with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, where available. Apple TV also offers family sharing, allowing up to six people to use one subscription at no extra cost.

With a competitive monthly price and bundles available through Apple One — which combines Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, iCloud storage, and more — the service continues to grow as a key part of Apple’s ecosystem. Apple TV delivers one of the strongest collections of exclusive content in the streaming space for viewers seeking prestige originals, cinematic storytelling, and seamless access across devices.


Jared DiPane is the General Manager of The Streamable and a digital media veteran with over a decade of experience in consumer technology, e-commerce, and cord-cutting strategy. He oversees editorial direction, platform growth, and product testing, ensuring readers receive the most accurate, data-driven advice to optimize their home entertainment setups.

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