For anyone who hasn't yet seen Apple original series like Ted Lasso, Shrinking, Severance and The Morning Show, you might want to rethink your weekend plans.
The company announced Monday that it is offering free streaming of its original series and movies on Apple TV Plus on Saturday and Sunday, January 4 and January 5, with no subscription required. In a post shared on social media site X, the Apple TV Plus account said: “This weekend, see for yourself.”
It's possible that Apple's “weekend” will start early. Special press release from Apple on Monday gives the dates as January 3-5 (although the accompanying video says January 4-5). So it looks like the free shows could start at some point on Friday, possibly late in the day.
It followed a series of previous posts which urged people to “save the date” and “stay tuned” in relation to the same dates.
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The move is likely part of an effort to attract more subscribers to it streaming platform in a market still crowded with competitors, including NetflixPrime, Hulu, Peacock and Max. Industry watchers have been for months shaking prediction and consolidation of streaming options.
Although Apple has never before offered a full open access weekend on Apple TV Plus, it occasionally provides free streaming of certain content, such as the first episodes of some original series.
The company is also promoting a seven-day free trial for new subscribers, as well as extended trials with the purchase of select hardware products. Subscriptions start at $10 per month.
Apple could tease a promotion ahead of new shows, too. It revealed its 2024 lineup in early February.