Using Apple Music With Apple TV? (7 Common Questions)

Apple certainly does have a lot of different similarly-named products and services, to the point where keeping track of them and how they interact can be very confusing!

For instance, how does Apple Music work on an Apple TV? And is Apple TV an actual, physical TV, or a subscription streaming service, anyway?

Well, strap in, because today we’re going to be answering all these questions and more when it comes to how Apple Music and Apple TV work together!

How Does Apple Music Work on Apple TV?

First off, we should clear up some common points of confusion and lay out the definitions of all the terms we’ll be talking about here.

Apple Music is a subscription streaming service focused on music, as well as some other audio-based content like podcasts and meditations.

Apple TV is a physical device that can perform a number of entertainment functions and interact with various Apple services. It plugs into a screen on which you can view Apple TV media.

Apple TV+ is a subscription streaming service focused on television shows and other visual media, in contrast to Apple Music’s focus on auditory media.

Needless to say, this can all get a bit confusing, especially when talking about Apple TV and Apple TV+, which sound like two different versions of the same thing.

An Apple TV device is capable of streaming content from many Apple streaming services, which include both Apple Music and Apple TV+.

Do note that you will have to have active subscriptions to any service you wish to use on your Apple TV.

But as long as you do have a valid subscription to Apple Music, or to the subscription bundle “Apple One” which includes Apple Music, then you’ll be able to use this service on your Apple TV.

Using Apple Music on your Apple TV should work similarly to any other device you’re used to using Apple Music on, such as your mobile phone or computer.

That is to say, there is an Apple Music app on your Apple TV, and you can navigate it with the Apple TV remote to stream music just like you would on any other device.

If your Apple Music plan includes offline listening, and you have free storage space on your Apple TV, you should also be able to download music in case you want to listen during an outage.

In short, using Apple Music on your Apple TV should be much like using it on any other compatible device, and all the functions you’re familiar with should be available.

How Do You Activate Apple Music on Apple TV?

On your Apple TV, the Music app should already be there.

1. First, find the app, and open it, then sign in using your Apple ID.
2. Next, you’ll just follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup.
3. You can do this by signing in manually with your user credentials (Apple ID and password), or by signing in quickly using your iPhone to scan the on-screen QR code on your TV.

Congratulations! You should now be signed in to your Apple Music account on your Apple TV.

Do You Get Apple Music Included with an Apple TV?

Apple Music is a paid subscription service and is never free. When subscribing your first month will be free, but it will be billed automatically thereafter. 

The closest thing to a free subscription to Apple Music is the 6-month free offer available with certain products.

Even then, it’s not truly free, as once those 6 months are up, you will be billed for a recurring subscription fee.

Either way, as far as we know, this offer currently only applies to AirPods and Beats products, and not to an Apple TV.

So sadly, you will have to purchase an Apple Music subscription separately or get it bundled with Apple One, to use Apple Music on your Apple TV.

Are Apple Music and Apple TV the Same Subscription?

No, Apple TV isn’t a subscription service at all; it is a streaming device manufactured by Apple that links to a screen.

However, Apple TV is frequently confused with the similarly named Apple TV+, which is a paid subscription service for streaming TV shows and other media.

Apple TV+ is a separate subscription to Apple Music and paying for one will not get you access to the other.

However, you can get both Apple TV+ and Apple Music by subscribing to Apple One.

Apple One is a subscription bundling service that combines several popular Apple subscription services into one discounted combined rate.

By using Apple One, you can get both of these services, plus several more, in one bundled package, but they are separate services simply being combined into one fee by Apple One.

Does Apple TV Come with the Apple Music Family Plan?

A new Apple TV will not come with any Apple Music plan.

As previously stated, it is sometimes possible to get an extended free trial of Apple Music with certain products, but as of this writing, Apple TV is not one of the products with this deal.

This could change, of course, as Apple frequently offers new deals and bundles between their own products and services and those of their partners.

But for the moment, you’ll have to buy your TV and your subscriptions separately.

Do You Get Apple TV with an Apple Music Subscription?

You will not get a new Apple TV by subscribing to Apple Music.

You will also not get an Apple TV+ subscription by purchasing an Apple Music subscription, as they are two separate streaming services.

You can get both Apple TV+ and Apple Music by purchasing a bundled Apple One subscription, which includes these and other Apple brand subscription services at a bundled rate.

However, an Apple TV is a physical product and is not included with any subscription service.

Does Apple Music Work on Early Generations of Apple TV?

The oldest versions of Apple TV that can use Apple Music are the Apple TV 4 and Apple TV 4k.

So, if you want to use Apple Music on your Apple TV, make sure it’s generation 4 or newer, and everything should work just fine.

Any versions older than these do not support Apple Music.

Sources:

Apple Music on your Smart TV