Apple offers many subscription services for iPhone and iPad users. These services provide access to music, TV shows, movies, games, cloud storage, and more. The most worthwhile Apple subscriptions are Apple Music, Apple TV+, and iCloud+.
Apple Music gives users access to over 100 million songs. It offers personalized playlists and radio stations. Apple TV+ provides original TV shows and movies. Many of its productions have received critical acclaim. iCloud+ expands cloud storage and adds features like Hide My Email and HomeKit Secure Video.
Some users may find value in Apple Arcade for ad-free gaming or Apple Fitness+ for workout videos. The Apple One bundle combines multiple services at a discount. Users should evaluate their needs and usage to determine which subscriptions offer the best value for them.
Here’s a table of the top 20 paid iPhone/iPad subscriptions:
| Rank | Subscription | Description | Potential Value Proposition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | iCloud+ | Extra storage for backups, photos, files; Private Relay; Hide My Email. | Essential for most Apple users; convenient storage management; enhanced privacy. |
| 2 | Apple Music | Extensive music library, exclusive content, Apple ecosystem integration. | For music lovers invested in the Apple ecosystem. |
| 3 | YouTube Premium | Ad-free YouTube, background playback, YouTube Music Premium. | For frequent YouTube viewers who dislike ads and want background playback. |
| 4 | Netflix | Wide variety of movies and TV shows, original content. | For those who enjoy diverse on-demand entertainment. |
| 5 | Disney+ | Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content. | For families and fans of Disney-owned franchises. |
| 6 | Microsoft 365 | Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), cloud storage, and other tools. | For professionals and students who need office software. |
| 7 | Adobe Creative Cloud | Suite of creative apps (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro). | For creative professionals and enthusiasts. |
| 8 | 1Password | Password management and secure storage. | Essential for online security and convenience. |
| 9 | GoodNotes/Notability | Note-taking and PDF annotation apps. | For students, professionals, and anyone who takes digital notes. |
| 10 | PDF Expert | Advanced PDF editing and management. | For those who work extensively with PDFs. |
| 11 | Apple TV+ | Original shows and movies, often bundled with other Apple services. | For those who enjoy high-quality, original content. |
| 12 | Apple Arcade | Ad-free and in-app purchase-free games. | For casual gamers and families with children. |
| 13 | Apple Fitness+ | Guided workouts integrated with Apple Watch. | For Apple Watch users interested in guided fitness. |
| 14 | Hulu | Streaming TV with live TV options. | For those who want a combination of on-demand and live TV. |
| 15 | HBO Max | Premium TV shows and movies. | For fans of premium TV and movies. |
| 16 | Spotify Premium | Music streaming with personalized playlists. | Alternative to Apple Music for those who prefer Spotify’s features or interface. |
| 17 | Dropbox/Google One | Cloud storage and file sharing (alternatives to iCloud). | For users who need more specialized cloud storage features or cross-platform compatibility. |
| 18 | Carrot Weather | Hyperlocal weather app with unique personality. | For those who want a more engaging and detailed weather app. |
| 19 | Overcast | Podcast player with advanced features. | For serious podcast listeners who want advanced playback controls and other features. |
| 20 | Viber Plus/Mi Home | Apps like Viber Plus (enhanced communication) or Mi Home (smart home management). | Value depends entirely on individual needs for specific app features. |
This table makes it easy to compare different subscription options and assess their potential value for you.
Making Sense of iPhone and iPad Subscriptions
Essential Subscriptions for Most Users
Some subscriptions are useful for almost everyone. These often improve how your devices work. They add features you will probably use every day. Let’s look at a few.
iCloud+
iCloud+ gives you more storage. It keeps your backups safe. It also has privacy tools. These tools hide your email and browsing. This is great if you take lots of photos or need extra space.
Apple Music
Do you love music? Apple Music has millions of songs. You can listen without ads. It works well with your Apple devices. This is a good choice if you listen to music often.
YouTube Premium
Many people watch YouTube videos. YouTube Premium makes this better. It removes ads. You can play videos in the background. It also includes YouTube Music. This is great for frequent YouTube users.
Subscriptions for Entertainment
Want to relax and watch shows? There are many streaming options. These give you access to lots of movies and TV.
Netflix
Netflix is very popular. It has a huge library. You can find many types of shows and movies. They also make their own shows.
Disney+
Disney+ is great for families. It has Disney, Pixar, and Marvel movies. You can also watch Star Wars and National Geographic. This is good if you like these types of shows.
Boosting Your Productivity
Some subscriptions help you get things done. They give you tools for work and school. These can be very helpful if you need them.
Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 gives you Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It also has cloud storage. This is good for students and people who work in offices.
Adobe Creative Cloud
Do you work with photos or videos? Adobe Creative Cloud has many tools. It has Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro. This is good for creative people.
1Password
It is hard to remember all your passwords. 1Password keeps them safe. It makes it easy to log in to websites. This is a very good tool for online safety.
Apps for Specific Needs
Some apps are useful for certain things. They might help you with notes or weather. These are good if you need these specific features.
GoodNotes/Notability
These apps are great for taking notes. You can write, draw, and highlight. They are helpful for students and people who like to take notes.
PDF Expert
Do you work with PDFs? PDF Expert has many helpful tools. You can edit, sign, and fill out forms. This is good if you use PDFs a lot.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ has its own shows and movies. Some are very popular. This is good if you like original shows.
Apple Arcade
Do you like to play games? Apple Arcade has many games. There are no ads or extra costs in the games. This is good for families and casual gamers.
Apple Fitness+
Do you have an Apple Watch? Apple Fitness+ has workout videos. They work with your watch. This is good if you like to exercise at home.
Hulu
Hulu has many TV shows. You can also watch live TV. This is good if you want to watch shows as they air.
HBO Max
HBO Max has popular TV shows and movies. Some are only on HBO Max. This is good if you like these types of shows.
Spotify Premium
Spotify is another music app. It has many songs and playlists. This is an option if you do not like Apple Music.
Dropbox/Google One
These services give you extra storage in the cloud. They are similar to iCloud. This is good if you need more space or use other devices.
Carrot Weather
Carrot Weather is a fun weather app. It has a funny personality. This is good if you want a different kind of weather app.
Overcast
Do you listen to podcasts? Overcast has many features for podcasts. This is good if you listen to podcasts often.
Specialized Apps
Some apps have subscriptions for extra features. These might be for smart homes or other things. These are good if you need those features.
Table of Top Subscriptions
| Category | Subscription | What It Offers | Who It’s Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | iCloud+ | More storage, backups, privacy tools | Most Apple users |
| Essential | Apple Music | Lots of music, no ads | Music fans |
| Essential | YouTube Premium | No ads on YouTube, background play | Frequent YouTube watchers |
| Entertainment | Netflix | Many movies and TV shows | People who like to watch shows |
| Entertainment | Disney+ | Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars | Families and franchise fans |
| Productivity | Microsoft 365 | Word, Excel, PowerPoint | Students and office workers |
| Productivity | Adobe Creative Cloud | Photo and video editing tools | Creative professionals |
| Productivity | 1Password | Password storage | Anyone who values online security |
| Specific Needs | GoodNotes/Notability | Note-taking and drawing | Students and note-takers |
| Specific Needs | PDF Expert | PDF editing | People who work with PDFs |
| Specific Needs | Apple TV+ | Original shows and movies | People who like exclusive content |
| Specific Needs | Apple Arcade | Many games, no ads | Casual gamers and families |
| Specific Needs | Apple Fitness+ | Workout videos | Apple Watch users who like to exercise |
| Specific Needs | Hulu | TV shows and live TV | People who want live and on-demand TV |
| Specific Needs | HBO Max | Premium TV and movies | Fans of premium shows |
| Specific Needs | Spotify Premium | Music streaming | People who don’t prefer Apple Music |
| Specific Needs | Dropbox/Google One | Cloud storage | People who need more cloud storage |
| Specific Needs | Carrot Weather | Fun weather app | People who want a unique weather app |
| Specific Needs | Overcast | Podcast features | Podcast listeners |
| Specific Needs | Specialized Apps | Varies by app | People with specific needs |
Other Great Paid Apps To Consider
Here are 30 additional iPhone/iPad apps (some with subscription models, others with in-app purchases or one-time costs) that could be incredibly useful to you:
Productivity & Organization:
- Todoist/Things 3: Task management and to-do list apps.
- Fantastical: Calendar app with natural language processing.
- Bear/Ulysses: Writing and note-taking apps with a focus on clean design.
- Spark/Airmail: Email clients with advanced features.
- Forest: Productivity app that helps you stay focused.
- Focus Keeper: Pomodoro timer app for focused work sessions.
- MindNode/XMind: Mind mapping tools for brainstorming and planning.
Creative & Design:
- Procreate: Powerful digital painting and sketching app (one-time purchase).
- Affinity Photo/Designer: Professional photo editing and vector graphics apps (one-time purchases).
- LumaFusion: Professional video editing app.
- Pixelmator Pro: Image editor with machine learning features.
- Concepts: Flexible sketching and design app.
Learning & Education:
- Duolingo: Language learning app.
- MasterClass: Online classes taught by experts.
- Skillshare: Online learning platform with various courses.
- Audible: Audiobook service.
- Kindle: E-reading app with a vast library.
Health & Fitness:
- Headspace/Calm: Meditation and mindfulness apps.
- BetterSleep: Sleep tracking and relaxation app.
- MyFitnessPal: Calorie counting and fitness tracking app.
Utilities & Tools:
- Dark Noise: Ambient noise generator for focus and relaxation.
- Scanner Pro/PDF Scanner: Document scanning apps.
- Textastic Code Editor: Code editor for developers.
- Deliveries: Package tracking app.
Photography & Video:
- Halide Camera: Manual camera app for advanced photography.
- Filmic Pro: Professional video recording app.
- VSCO: Photo editing app with filters and tools.
Other:
- Pocket: Save articles and videos to read or watch later.
- Reeder: RSS feed reader.
- Apollo for Reddit: Third-party Reddit client.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Music, Apple TV+, and iCloud+ offer the most value for most users
- Apple One bundles multiple services at a discounted price
- Users should assess their needs to choose the most suitable subscriptions
Evaluating Apple Subscriptions: Fundamentals of Value and Integration
Apple subscriptions offer a range of services for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users. These services integrate seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem, providing convenience and value for many customers.
Understanding Apple Ecosystem and Subscription Basics
Apple’s ecosystem connects devices and services for a unified experience. Subscriptions include Apple Music, Apple TV+, iCloud+, Apple Arcade, and Apple Fitness+. Each service offers unique features:
- Apple Music: Vast music library, personalized playlists
- Apple TV+: Original shows and movies
- iCloud+: Cloud storage, email, and device backup
- Apple Arcade: Ad-free gaming
- Apple Fitness+: Guided workouts for Apple Watch users
Users can subscribe to services individually or through Apple One bundles. Prices vary based on the plan and region.
Comparing Individual, Family, and Premier Plans
Apple One offers three tiers:
- Individual: Basic plan for single users
- Family: Shared access for up to 6 family members
- Premier: All services with maximum iCloud storage
| Plan | Services | iCloud Storage | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | Music, TV+, Arcade, iCloud+ | 50 GB | $19.95/month |
| Family | Music, TV+, Arcade, iCloud+ | 200 GB | $25.95/month |
| Premier | All services + News+, Fitness+ | 2 TB | $37.95/month |
Family and Premier plans offer better value for households. They allow sharing of services without compromising personal recommendations.
Assessing the Value of Apple One Bundle
Apple One bundles can save money compared to individual subscriptions. The value depends on which services users actually need and use regularly.
For heavy Apple service users, the bundle offers significant savings. It simplifies billing and provides a cohesive experience across Apple devices.
However, casual users might find better value in subscribing to only the services they use most. It’s important to evaluate personal usage patterns and needs before committing to a bundle.
Frequently Asked Questions
iPhone and iPad users often have questions about subscription services. These FAQs cover popular topics like Apple One, app costs, and finding the best subscription-based apps.
What are the benefits of the Apple One subscription bundle?
Apple One combines multiple Apple services into a single subscription. Users get access to Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud storage. The bundle offers savings compared to subscribing to each service separately. Apple One comes in Individual, Family, and Premier tiers to suit different needs.
How do I find out which apps I am currently paying for on my iPhone?
Users can check their active subscriptions in the iPhone Settings app. Tap on the Apple ID at the top, then select “Subscriptions.” This screen shows all current and expired subscriptions. It also allows users to manage or cancel subscriptions directly from their device.
Can you recommend some of the best subscription-based apps for iPad users?
Popular subscription apps for iPad include Procreate for digital art, LumaFusion for video editing, and Notability for note-taking. GoodNotes 5 is excellent for handwritten notes and PDF annotation. For productivity, apps like Fantastical and Things 3 offer powerful features for calendars and task management.
What are the top subscription apps for iOS, based on user ratings?
Highly-rated iOS subscription apps include Headspace for meditation, Calm for sleep and relaxation, and Duolingo for language learning. Fitness apps like Strava and MyFitnessPal also receive high marks. For streaming, Netflix and Disney+ consistently rank among the top-rated apps.
Are there any cost-effective alternatives to subscription-based apps for iPhone users?
Many free apps offer similar functionality to paid subscriptions. Google Photos provides free photo storage. Canva offers free graphic design tools. For note-taking, Microsoft OneNote is a robust free option. Trello provides free project management features. These alternatives can help users save money while still accessing useful tools.
What explains the higher cost of some subscriptions on iOS compared to other platforms?
Several factors contribute to higher iOS subscription costs. Apple takes a 30% cut of in-app purchases, which developers often pass on to users. The iOS user base tends to have higher disposable income, allowing for premium pricing. Additionally, iOS development costs can be higher, leading to increased app prices to recoup expenses.
