Full Breakdown
T-Mobile to Charge for Apple TV Subscription Starting January 2026
11/20/2025, 10:18:58 PM
Overview of the Price Change
T-Mobile has announced a significant change to its "Apple TV On Us" promotion, which will end on January 1, 2026. Customers on select premium plans, including Go5G Plus, Magenta Plus, and Magenta MAX, will now incur a $3 monthly charge for the Apple TV subscription that was previously offered at no cost. This decision follows Apple's recent price increase for its streaming service, which rose from $9.99 to $12.99 per month in August 2025.
Details of the New Pricing Structure
Under the new pricing structure, T-Mobile customers who currently enjoy the Apple TV benefit will see their monthly charges adjusted. Those who do not have the "On Us" perk but are billed for Apple TV through T-Mobile will experience a similar increase, with their monthly fee rising from $9.99 to $12.99. The $3 fee effectively aligns T-Mobile's pricing with Apple's direct-to-consumer rates. Customers have been notified of this change via text messages from T-Mobile, which also provide guidance on how to manage their subscriptions.
Customer Options and Reactions
Customers who wish to avoid the new charge can remove the Apple TV add-on from their accounts before the end of 2025. T-Mobile has emphasized that this change is a direct response to Apple's pricing adjustments, marking a departure from its previous practice of absorbing costs associated with streaming service price hikes. This shift has drawn criticism from some customers, particularly those who selected their T-Mobile plans based on the bundled streaming perks.
Criticism & Opposition
The decision to pass the cost increase onto customers has sparked disappointment among T-Mobile users. Critics argue that T-Mobile has historically included streaming services like Netflix in its premium plans without imposing additional fees, making this change particularly surprising. Many customers feel that the removal of the free Apple TV subscription undermines the value of their plans.
Official Statements & Responses
T-Mobile has communicated the rationale behind the price increase, stating, "As a T-Mobile customer, your plan includes a $9.99/mo benefit. There are no changes to your bill now but, effective 1/1/2026, your Apple TV will be $3.00/mo after your T-Mobile discount." This statement reflects the company's position on the necessity of the fee in light of Apple's price adjustments.
What's Next
As the January 1, 2026 deadline approaches, T-Mobile customers are encouraged to review their accounts and make any necessary changes to their subscriptions. The company continues to provide support for users navigating this transition, ensuring that they are informed of their options regarding the Apple TV service.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The cancellation of T-Mobile's "Apple TV On US" promotion in the United States will almost certainly be a disappointment for the network's users.” — Apple Insider Report
- “If you have Apple TV “On Us” but don’t want to pay that $3 per month price, simply remove the add-on on your account before the end of the year.” — T-Mobile Notification
This price change marks a notable shift in T-Mobile's approach to bundled streaming services, reflecting broader trends in the telecommunications and entertainment industries.
