Would you pay for telly bills that cost more than a run to the supermarket? Here's what Apple's latest price hike means for your budget

When did watching television become more expensive than your grocery bill?

For many Australian seniors, that tipping point has quietly arrived with one of the most popular streaming services right now.

Apple TV+—which first launched back in 2019 at just $7.99 a month—has now announced its latest price jump from $12.99 to $15.99 per month.

The increase officially takes effect on October 11, 2025, with existing subscribers seeing the change 30 days after their next renewal date. That’s earlier than many expected, after reports initially suggested the hike would roll out later in the year.

This isn't just about one streaming service raising prices. According to Canstar research, the average Australian household now pays $41 per month on streaming services, which adds up to nearly $500 annually. What's particularly striking is that those aged 50-59 are actually the biggest spenders, forking out $43 per month on average.

For seniors on fixed incomes, every dollar counts, and the streaming landscape has become a minefield of mounting monthly costs.

The streaming subscription spiral

The numbers are sobering when you add them all up. If you subscribed to every major streaming service in Australia at their basic rates, you'd be paying around $92 every month—or $143 for premium tiers.

That's more than many people spend on electricity. In fact, Australians now have access to more than a dozen global and local streaming platforms, with prices ranging anywhere from $7.99 to $40 a month.

Netflix started the price-hiking trend just last month, pushing their standard ad-free plan from $18.99 to $20.99 per month, while their premium tier now costs $28.99.

Their ad-supported plan also jumped from $7.99 to $9.99. Spotify followed suit, increasing individual plans from $13.99 to $15.99, while student, duo, and family tiers rose to $7.99, $22.99, and $27.99 respectively. Now Apple TV+ has joined the party with its own $3 monthly increase.

With this latest hike, Apple TV+ now sits above the average cost of a streaming subscription at $14.77 per month, a significant shift from its position as a mid-range option.

Why Apple TV+ might still be worth considering

Before you write off Apple TV+ entirely, here's something the other services won't tell you: switching to an annual subscription can save you $31.89 per year. At $129 annually, that works out to just $10.75 per month—actually cheaper than the old monthly rate.

An Apple spokesperson noted: 'The annual subscription price remains unchanged, as does pricing for Apple One, which is the easiest way to enjoy all of Apple's subscription services in one plan at the best value.'

Apple serves up high-quality originals, focusing on quality over quantity, with new shows and movies added every Wednesday and Friday. For seniors who prefer fewer, better programs rather than endless scrolling through mediocre content, this approach can actually represent better value.

Popular shows with mature audiences include The Morning Show, Ted Lasso, Slow Horses, and Severance, plus the platform offers ad-free viewing as standard.

Smart streaming strategies for seniors

Living on a fixed income doesn't mean giving up quality entertainment. Here are practical ways to keep your streaming costs under control:

Rotate your subscriptions: Consider cancelling subscriptions for periods when you're not using them, or sharing account logins with friends and family. Subscribe to one service, binge-watch what you want, then switch to another.

Choose annual over monthly: Many services offer significant discounts for annual payments. If you're committed to a service, this can save hundreds of dollars over time.

Bundle smartly: Apple TV+ is included in Apple One subscriptions for $24.95 per month, which also includes Apple Music, iCloud, and Apple Arcade. If you use multiple Apple services, bundling could save money.

Leverage free alternatives: The five free-to-air broadcasters offer catch-up services and decent back catalogues at no charge. These often include quality Australian content and classic shows perfect for mature viewers.

The bigger picture on entertainment spending

Financial experts recommend regularly reviewing and cancelling streaming services, gym memberships, and other subscription services you no longer use or don't really need.

This advice hits home when you consider that many Australians are now spending more on streaming than they realise. The subscription creep is real. What started as 'just Netflix' for many households has expanded into multiple services, each justified individually but collectively creating a significant monthly expense.

Making the most of your entertainment dollar

For those considering Apple TV+, the annual subscription represents genuine value if you plan to stick with it. Apple TV+ takes a quality over quantity approach to streaming, with a smaller number of high-quality, award-winning shows and movies. Unlike other streaming giants, Apple TV+ has a modest library composed almost exclusively of high-budget, star-studded originals, quickly building a reputation for award-winning television.

This could be perfect for seniors who prefer depth over breadth—fewer choices, but better quality content that's worth your time and money.

The key is being intentional about your choices rather than letting subscriptions accumulate by default. Set a monthly entertainment budget, just as you would for groceries or utilities, and make conscious decisions about what represents value for your viewing habits and financial situation.

Remember, there's no shame in cutting back. You don't have to overhaul your life to achieve a financial reset—just a few changes can help you save more, spend smarter, and feel confident about your finances.

What's your approach to managing streaming costs? Have you found clever ways to get quality entertainment without breaking the budget? Share your money-saving strategies in the comments below—your fellow readers would love to learn from your experience.