T-Mobile is preparing to end its popular free Apple TV offer, transitioning it to a paid add-on beginning January 1, 2026. Until then, eligible customers can continue enjoying Apple TV at no cost, but after that date, the service will cost $3 per month for subscribers on T-Mobile’s Plus-level plans.
The Transition from Free to Discounted Perk
Since launching the Apple TV On Us promotion in 2022, T-Mobile has provided Apple TV free of charge for Plus plan customers. However, changes in Apple’s pricing have led to adjustments. Apple first increased the monthly Apple TV subscription from $6.99 to $9.99 in 2023, followed by a further rise to $12.99 in August 2025.
T-Mobile has absorbed these increases so far, but effective January 1, 2026, the carrier will shift from covering the full cost to offering a $9.99 monthly discount on Apple TV. This means customers will pay an additional $3 monthly to maintain access via their T-Mobile plan.
Who Is Affected and What Are the Costs?
Only customers enrolled in the Apple TV On Us program will benefit from the discounted $3 monthly rate. Customers who currently pay for Apple TV outside this program will face the full $12.99 monthly fee starting in 2026 — matching Apple’s direct subscription rate, thereby eliminating any billing advantages through T-Mobile.
T-Mobile has updated its support page and has notified impacted subscribers via text messages regarding the upcoming pricing change.
Opting Out of the Apple TV Subscription
Recognizing that some customers may not want to pay the new charge, T-Mobile is providing an easy way to cancel the Apple TV add-on via the T-Mobile app (T-Life). To cancel:
- Open the T-Mobile app on your device and navigate to the Benefits section.
- Select the Streaming tab and pick Apple TV from the list.
- Cancel your subscription and confirm by tapping Agree.
Alternatively, those interested can still try Apple TV’s 6-month free trial through Un-carrier. After the trial ends, the standard $12.99 monthly fee applies.
Changing Trends in Carrier Freebies
Free perks once played a key role in carrier strategies to attract and retain customers, but that trend is shifting. With rising costs and profit pressures, carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon are reducing freebies or replacing them with discounted offers. For example, Verizon has recently ended free Apple Arcade access, and T-Mobile discontinued unlimited Google Photos storage after concluding its Google partnership.
This shift indicates a new focus on profitability over subscriber acquisition through free add-ons.
