T-Mobile Announces Major Change to Its ‘Free’ Apple TV+ Perk: Here’s What Subscribers Need to Know
T-Mobile has officially announced a major update that will affect millions of its customers who currently enjoy the “Apple TV+ On Us” benefit. Starting January 1, 2026, the company will discontinue the fully free Apple TV+ perk, and customers will now begin paying a small monthly fee to keep the service.
This update marks the end of one of T-Mobile’s most popular entertainment bonuses and comes at a time when streaming subscription prices continue to rise across the industry.
What Exactly Is Changing?
For years, eligible T-Mobile users have enjoyed full access to Apple TV+ at no additional cost, thanks to the “On Us” program that covered the entire subscription fee.
However, beginning January 1, 2026, customers will no longer receive Apple TV+ completely free. Instead:
- T-Mobile will offer a $9.99 monthly discount on Apple TV+
- Customers will pay only $3 per month to keep their subscription active
- The discount will automatically apply as long as the customer remains on an eligible plan
This means Apple TV+ won’t be fully free anymore, but users can still access it at a heavily reduced price.
Why Is T-Mobile Making This Change?
This update is tied largely to Apple’s recent price increases. Apple TV+ now costs $12.99 per month, up from the previous $9.99 pricing.
As streaming platforms raise prices across the board, carriers like T-Mobile are adjusting their entertainment bundles to keep costs manageable while still offering customers meaningful discounts.
T-Mobile says the change ensures a “sustainable perk model” while still delivering value to long-time subscribers.
Who Will Be Affected?
The change impacts customers on several popular T-Mobile plans, including:
- Go5G Plus / Go5G Next
- Magenta MAX
- Magenta Plus
- ONE Plus
- Experience More
- Experience Beyond
Anyone who redeemed Apple TV+ via the “On Us” offer will also be transitioned to the new discounted plan.
If you’re unsure whether your plan is included, simply check your T-Mobile account under the “Manage Add-Ons” section.
Will You Lose Access to Apple TV+?
No—unless you choose to cancel it.
If you take no action, your Apple TV+ subscription will automatically continue under the new $3/month structure once the change takes effect.
If you no longer want Apple TV+, you can cancel it anytime from the T-Mobile app or website before January 2026.
How to Check or Cancel Your Apple TV+ Subscription
Follow these steps:
1. Open the T-Mobile App
2. Tap Account
3. Go to Subscriptions / Add-Ons
4. Select Apple TV+
5. Choose Cancel or Continue
The cancellation will take effect at the end of the current billing cycle.
What This Means for T-Mobile Customers
This update reflects a growing trend: carriers are scaling back fully free entertainment perks due to rising licensing costs from streaming platforms.
But with Apple TV+ offering premium shows like Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, Foundation, Severance, and exclusive sports content, many subscribers may consider the $3-only monthly fee a fair deal.
Still, budget-focused users may re-evaluate whether the service is worth keeping.
Should You Keep Apple TV+?
Here’s a quick guide:
Keep It If:
- You watch Apple originals often
- You enjoy high-quality content and movies
- You want one of the cheapest Apple TV+ prices available anywhere
Cancel It If:
- You rarely use streaming services
- You want to cut monthly expenses
- You only subscribed because it was completely free
Final Thoughts
T-Mobile’s updated Apple TV+ perk marks the end of an era where carriers offered fully free streaming bonuses. While the change comes as a disappointment to some, the new pricing still provides a major discount compared to subscribing directly through Apple.
As streaming costs keep rising, subscribers should regularly check their plans, perks, and entertainment spending to ensure they are getting maximum value.
