Does Apple TV include ads?

Apple TV is an app that aggregates video streaming content into one app. It is not a streaming service.

AppleTV+ is Apple’s streaming service. It serves Apple Original content. There are pre-roll ads for other AppleTV+ shows. There are no ads in the shows themselves.

ThereAreGoats wrote:

I rented a movie from Apple TV the other night and there were 4-5 minute-long stretches of ads. I almost lost my mind. It's so disgusting and crass, and they of course aren't timed to happen during logical story breaks. They just come out of nowhere, interrupting the pacing and mood and tone that directors so painstakingly work to create and maintain. I have never been so close to throwing my remote at my TV.

Confusingly…

Apple TV is an app or a hardware device that allows streaming content from various streaming media services.

Apple TV+ is a streaming service with original content from Apple.

Apple TV+ can be streamed using Apple TV app, or an Apple TV set-top box.

If you rented media from another streaming service via Apple TV (app or hardware), then that service may or may not embed ads.

As for Apple TV+ streaming: ”New Apple Originals every month — always ad‑free.”

AFAIK, rentals directly from Apple iTunes also won’t have embedded ads. Pre-roll probably, though.

JustWatch has information on which services are streaming or renting or selling which media.

(use the less-than-obvious search box in the upper right. No sign-in is required.)

This is a false statement. Apple TV+ is the only streaming app I do have ads during shows (Apple originals). I have the Apple One Premiere account and the ads are still so ridiculous. With all my other streaming services I have the option to pay for the higher tier to be ad-free and this is not the case with Apple TV.

I rented a movie from Apple TV the other night and there were 4-5 minute-long stretches of ads. I almost lost my mind. It's so disgusting and crass, and they of course aren't timed to happen during logical story breaks. They just come out of nowhere, interrupting the pacing and mood and tone that directors so painstakingly work to create and maintain. I have never been so close to throwing my remote at my TV.

Apple TV+ is the only streaming app I do have ads during shows (Apple originals).

Ads for what, during which show?

Johnathan did mention pre-roll ads for other AppleTV+ shows, so presumably your experience is for other types of ads?

I am seeing now that the film was actually streamed via Hulu. I accessed it via the search app on Apple TV (the hardware device). "Hulu" is written in tiny print above the "Play" button. I'll know to pay attention to this from now on.

I have AppleTv+. There are no ads and never have been