If you’re an Apple fan, chances are you unwrapped at least one Apple Gift Card this holiday season. These gift cards can be used for App Store purchases, Apple Store purchases, and Apple services like Apple Music and Apple TV.
As quick refresher, here are the services offered by Apple today:
- Apple Music: Apple’s streaming music service with access to over 100 million songs.
- Apple TV: Access to hit TV shows and movies like Ted Lasso, Severance, Pluribus, and more.
- Apple Fitness+: Apple’s digital fitness platforms with video workouts across 12 different workout types.
- Apple Arcade: A game subscription service with 200+ games, all without in-app purchases or ads.
- Apple News+: Access top stories and publications, daily puzzles, in-depth recipes, and more.
- iCloud+: iCloud storage, Apple Invites, iCloud Private Relay, My Email, Custom Email Domain, and HomeKit Secure Video.
- $0.99 per month (50GB), $2.99 per month (200GB), $9.99 per month (2TB)
You can redeem an Apple Gift Card and it will be applied towards any of the above services. Once your Apple Gift Card balance runs out, your normal payment method will be charged. If you want to make sure you don’t pay out anything out of pocket, be sure to cancel your subscription before it renews.
But Apple One …
If you’re truly immersed in the Apple ecosystem, however, it might make more sense to use your Apple Gift Card towards the Apple One bundle. Apple One unlocks access to multiple Apple services at a lower price point every month.
Apple One Individual (save $12/month)
- Apple TV
- Apple Music
- Apple Arcade
- iCloud+ with 50GB of storage
Apple One Individual price: $19.95 (Save $12)
Apple One Family (save $14/month)
Share the following services with up to five people:
- Apple TV
- Apple Music
- Apple Arcade
- iCloud+ with 200GB of storage
Apple One Family price: $25.95 (Save $14)
Apple One Premier (save $32/month)
Share the following services with up to five people:
- Apple TV
- Apple Music
- Apple Arcade
- Apple Fitness+
- Apple News+
- iCloud+ with 2TB of storage
Apple One Premier price: $37.95 (Save $32)
In particular, it’s hard to deny the value of Apple TV. While the catalog started off small, Apple TV is now home to some of the best and most popular TV shows and movies across all genres.
The service is also adding access to F1 and MLS matches at no additional cost next year. If you’ve been debating subscribing (perhaps for access to Pluribus), an Apple Gift Card is a great way to join in.
Apple Arcade is a sleeper hit in my family, too. The service adds more and more games every month, all of which are completely free, with no ads or in-app purchases whatsoever. Most recently, Apple Arcade added:
- PowerWash Simulator
- SpongeBob Patty Pursuit 2
- Cult of the Lamb Arcade Edition
- Subway Surfers+
- NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM+
- Glassbreakers: Champions of Moss
Finally, Apple Fitness+ is a great choice as we approach the new year. If you’re looking to start 2026 off strong by focusing on your health and fitness, Apple Fitness+ is a great way to do that.
In general, I think most people in the Apple ecosystem should consider one of the above Apple One bundles. In most instances, I think the math backs up my belief too. For example, if you’re already paying for Apple TV and Apple Music, you should absolutely make the jump ands witch to Apple One Individual.
Do you subscribe to any Apple services? Are you planning to add or remove any services soon? Let us know down in the comments.
My favorite iPhone accessories:
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