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apple is extending some apple tv+ subs through february 2021 for free

AVATAR Matthew Panzarino
Matthew Panzarino
Advisor, TechCrunch
October 8, 2020
apple is extending some apple tv+ subs through february 2021 for free

Apple has announced that Apple TV+ subscriptions scheduled to expire on November 1, 2020, will now be extended through January 31, 2021, with billing commencing in February 2021.

This extension addresses the situation where Apple previously offered a complimentary year of Apple TV+ to customers who purchased new devices last year, a benefit that is now nearing its expiration date in November. Recognizing the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19 and related restrictions, Apple is extending these subscriptions into February.

Customers with monthly subscriptions that began before November 1, 2020, will also receive a benefit – a $4.99 credit will be applied to their accounts for the months of November, December, and January 2021, covering the cost of one month of Apple TV+. This credit will be automatically applied, and subscribers will receive email notifications detailing the extension and credit.

Extending subscriptions through the fourth quarter of a challenging economic period will help Apple maintain its subscriber base.

Apple TV+ experienced a gradual start, initially gaining subscribers through device promotions and the launch of several high-profile programs, though some of these faced initial critical reception. However, viewership grew as audiences connected with the shows over time. 

Initial fluctuations in viewership were likely a temporary trend. 

https://twitter.com/panzer/status/1196916700261670912

This observation proved accurate when *The Morning Show* earned Apple TV+ its first Primetime Emmy Award. Apple Originals have now received a total of 114 award nominations, resulting in 35 wins. 

Furthermore, *Ted Lasso* is a particularly noteworthy and engaging series currently available for streaming, offering a compelling combination of sports, positive portrayals of masculinity, and emotional storytelling.

It’s worth noting that some customers who initially purchased an iOS device last year may find their complimentary year concluding on October 31. However, these customers are also included in this extension offer. 

Here’s a summary of the offer details for your convenience:

  • If your Apple TV+ subscription was due to end between November 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021, Apple is extending your free subscription to your original billing date in February 2021.
  • This extension applies to all subscribers who activated their subscriptions before January 31, 2020.
  • For instance, if your subscription was set to expire on November 15, 2020, your first billing date will now be February 15, 2021.
  • Customers who signed up for yearly subscriptions without a new device purchase during the same timeframe will also receive access through February 2021.
  • If you have a monthly subscription that began before November 1, 2020, you will receive a $4.99 credit each month. 
  • The program offering a year of free Apple TV+ with the purchase of a new device will continue as planned.
  • All affected customers will receive email communication regarding these changes.
#apple tv+#apple#subscription#free trial#extension#february 2021

Matthew Panzarino

Matthew Panzarino held the position of Editor-in-Chief at TechCrunch for ten years. Prior to this role, he contributed to The Next Web as both News Editor and Managing Editor. He also has entrepreneurial experience, having established photography-focused companies and a news platform dedicated to reporting on the Apple world. He’s widely recognized within the technology journalism landscape for his writing and editorial work, with coverage spanning Apple, Disney, robotics, and fashion, alongside a diverse portfolio of startups operating in areas like robotics, computer vision, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, and related technologies. Please note the following disclosures: He currently owns investments in Exchange Traded Funds, Ethereum, and a selection of Non-Fungible Tokens. You can reach Matthew at matthew@techcrunch.com. His PGP Key is available at https://keybase.io/panzer
Matthew Panzarino