Streaming prices just jumped—should you keep your subscription?
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Many people switched to streaming to escape the high cost of cable, but those savings may be disappearing fast.
One major platform just raised its monthly rate by over 30%, and it’s prompting some customers to reconsider their subscriptions.
With streaming services now competing on both price and content, viewers are starting to weigh whether it’s worth staying loyal.
If you’ve felt your entertainment budget creeping upward, you’re not alone.
Here’s what’s changing, how it compares to other services, and tips for deciding if it’s time to cancel.
What’s changing with Apple TV+
Apple TV+ has raised its monthly price from $9.99 to $12.99 for new US subscribers, marking a 33% increase.
The change is effective immediately for new users, while existing subscribers will see the new rate within 30 days of their next billing cycle.
That’s a steep climb from its original $4.99 launch price back in 2019.
Apple says the increase reflects the platform’s growing lineup of original, ad-free shows and movies.
Current hits like The Morning Show, Severance, and Slow Horses are among the titles Apple is using to justify the bump.
Also read: Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune are coming to streaming—here’s what that means for longtime fans
What subscribers are saying
The reaction online has been quick and intense.
Many longtime users say the increase is too much. “I signed up when it was $4.99... this is a step too far,” one viewer shared on social media.
Others are comparing the new prices across services, with some threatening to cancel altogether.
Apple isn’t the only one raising rates—Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Prime Video, and Peacock have all raised their prices over the past year.
Also read: Streaming stopped for millions—Hulu users caught in sudden outage
Why streaming prices keep climbing
Streaming services once focused on growth, spending billions on exclusive content to attract viewers.
But with subscriber numbers flattening, companies are now shifting toward profitability—and that cost is being passed on to consumers.
According to The Information, Apple TV+ is currently losing over $1 billion a year.
Unlike some competitors, Apple still offers a completely ad-free experience, but whether that’s enough to justify the higher cost depends on how much you watch.
Source: Reddit / thomasbdl
Also read: T-Mobile changes a long-standing perk—and customers aren’t happy
What’s included at the new price
For $12.99 per month, Apple TV+ includes access to:
Apple is counting on this mix of exclusive content to keep subscribers from jumping ship.
Also read: How to lower your cable bill and save up to $240 a year
How it compares to other services
Here’s how the major streaming platforms stack up (ad-free plans unless noted):
With prices rising across the board, viewers are starting to get more selective.
Also read: Is something off with your screen? Viewers are noticing serious picture quality issues
How to decide if it’s worth keeping
If you’re on a fixed income or watching your budget, these kinds of increases can add up quickly. Before canceling, consider:
The good news is that canceling is easy—and you can always return when a show you love comes back.
Also read: A childhood classic is now streaming on Netflix—but that’s not the whole story!
Tips to lower your streaming bill
Streaming used to be the simple, affordable answer to cable, but rising prices are making many viewers rethink their subscriptions.
Whether you decide to stay or cancel, the most important thing is knowing where your money is going—and making sure it’s still worth it.
A few smart choices today can help you enjoy your favorite shows without stretching your budget.
Read next: Are your favorite channels coming back? Major streamer merger promises more value and restored cable classics!
Streaming was once the affordable future of television, but it’s now starting to resemble the old cable model—high prices and too many choices. Are you sticking with Apple TV+, or are you trimming your subscriptions to save money?
Share your take in the comments, and let’s help each other navigate the new streaming landscape wisely!
One major platform just raised its monthly rate by over 30%, and it’s prompting some customers to reconsider their subscriptions.
With streaming services now competing on both price and content, viewers are starting to weigh whether it’s worth staying loyal.
If you’ve felt your entertainment budget creeping upward, you’re not alone.
Here’s what’s changing, how it compares to other services, and tips for deciding if it’s time to cancel.
As streaming costs rise, many viewers are rethinking how they manage their subscriptions. Image source: Pexels / cottonbro studio.
What’s changing with Apple TV+
Apple TV+ has raised its monthly price from $9.99 to $12.99 for new US subscribers, marking a 33% increase.
The change is effective immediately for new users, while existing subscribers will see the new rate within 30 days of their next billing cycle.
That’s a steep climb from its original $4.99 launch price back in 2019.
Apple says the increase reflects the platform’s growing lineup of original, ad-free shows and movies.
Current hits like The Morning Show, Severance, and Slow Horses are among the titles Apple is using to justify the bump.
Also read: Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune are coming to streaming—here’s what that means for longtime fans
What subscribers are saying
The reaction online has been quick and intense.
Many longtime users say the increase is too much. “I signed up when it was $4.99... this is a step too far,” one viewer shared on social media.
Others are comparing the new prices across services, with some threatening to cancel altogether.
Apple isn’t the only one raising rates—Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Prime Video, and Peacock have all raised their prices over the past year.
Also read: Streaming stopped for millions—Hulu users caught in sudden outage
Why streaming prices keep climbing
Streaming services once focused on growth, spending billions on exclusive content to attract viewers.
But with subscriber numbers flattening, companies are now shifting toward profitability—and that cost is being passed on to consumers.
According to The Information, Apple TV+ is currently losing over $1 billion a year.
Unlike some competitors, Apple still offers a completely ad-free experience, but whether that’s enough to justify the higher cost depends on how much you watch.
Source: Reddit / thomasbdl
Also read: T-Mobile changes a long-standing perk—and customers aren’t happy
What’s included at the new price
For $12.99 per month, Apple TV+ includes access to:
- New seasons of The Morning Show and Slow Horses this fall
- Original films like Highest Two Lowest and The Lost Bus
- Upcoming series such as Pluribus by Vince Gilligan
- Past Emmy-nominated hits like Severance and The Studio
- Live sports (Major League Baseball and Soccer)
- Classic Peanuts specials and kids programming
Apple is counting on this mix of exclusive content to keep subscribers from jumping ship.
Also read: How to lower your cable bill and save up to $240 a year
How it compares to other services
Here’s how the major streaming platforms stack up (ad-free plans unless noted):
- Apple TV+ – $12.99/month
- Netflix – $17.99/month (Standard, no ads)
- Max – $16.99/month
- Disney+ – $15.99/month
- Hulu – $18.99/month
- Prime Video – $8.99/month
- Peacock – $10.99/month (up from $7.99), $13.99/month (ad-free)
With prices rising across the board, viewers are starting to get more selective.
Also read: Is something off with your screen? Viewers are noticing serious picture quality issues
How to decide if it’s worth keeping
If you’re on a fixed income or watching your budget, these kinds of increases can add up quickly. Before canceling, consider:
- Do you regularly watch Apple TV+ shows?
- Are there cheaper alternatives with similar content?
- Would you rotate services instead of subscribing to all at once?
- Are you using bundle deals like Apple One to offset the cost?
The good news is that canceling is easy—and you can always return when a show you love comes back.
Also read: A childhood classic is now streaming on Netflix—but that’s not the whole story!
Tips to lower your streaming bill
- Rotate your subscriptions: Don’t keep them all year—switch as new seasons drop.
- Use bundles: Services like Apple One or the Disney Bundle can reduce overall costs.
- Share within your household: Some platforms allow simultaneous streams.
- Look for trials and promos: New devices or credit cards sometimes offer months free.
- Check your phone/internet perks: Some providers include streaming services in your plan.
Streaming used to be the simple, affordable answer to cable, but rising prices are making many viewers rethink their subscriptions.
Whether you decide to stay or cancel, the most important thing is knowing where your money is going—and making sure it’s still worth it.
A few smart choices today can help you enjoy your favorite shows without stretching your budget.
Read next: Are your favorite channels coming back? Major streamer merger promises more value and restored cable classics!
Streaming was once the affordable future of television, but it’s now starting to resemble the old cable model—high prices and too many choices. Are you sticking with Apple TV+, or are you trimming your subscriptions to save money?
Share your take in the comments, and let’s help each other navigate the new streaming landscape wisely!
