Apple TV+ Free Weekend: Binge-Watch Without Paying

Apple TV+ is offering a free weekend of TV and movie streaming to viewers as a way to showcase their content and hopefully attract new subscribers. This promotion, taking place this Saturday and Sunday, aims to give everyone a glimpse behind the Apple TV+ paywall without any strings attached. No personal information or credit card numbers are required—just an Apple ID that most people probably already have.

Professor Michael D. Smith from Carnegie Mellon University believes that this two-day window is ideal for allowing viewers to explore the catalog and hopefully find something they love. Popular shows like “Ted Lasso” and “The Morning Show” are just a few examples of what viewers can expect if they decide to subscribe for $9.99 a month in the U.S.

The free weekend offer is a strategic move by Apple TV+ to engage new customers and entice existing ones. By providing this brief look into their lineup, Apple can gather important data on viewer preferences and behaviors. For instance, they can identify which genres are most appealing or which shows are driving the most interest.

For Smith, this weekend means watching “Ted Lasso” with his son and possibly checking out “Severance” with his daughter. With so much to explore in just two days, Smith compares it to a trip to the mall—“Ted Lasso” might be the anchor store that draws him in, but there are plenty of other exciting options waiting to be discovered.

While some might question the effectiveness of short binge-watching windows, a study by Carnegie Mellon’s Initiative for Digital Entertainment Analytics found that longer bingeing periods can actually reduce subscription rates. This is why Apple’s weekend promotion is a strategic way to engage viewers without overwhelming them. By the end of the weekend, Apple aims to have gained valuable insights that will help them tailor their offerings to better suit their audience.

So, if you’ve been curious about what Apple TV+ has to offer, this weekend is the perfect opportunity to dive in and explore their exciting lineup of TV shows and movies—for free!