Movies downloaded on Apple TV have varying expiration periods depending on whether they are from an Apple TV+ subscription, an Apple TV app Channel, or are purchased or rented content.
Understanding Download Expiration on Apple TV
The duration a movie remains downloaded and accessible on your Apple TV device or app depends significantly on its content type and the licensing terms associated with it.
Apple TV+ Content
Content downloaded from an active Apple TV+ subscription stays valid for 30 days from the time of download. After this period, the downloaded file may become unplayable, and you might need to re-download the content or connect to the internet to refresh its license and continue viewing.
Apple TV App Channel Content
For movies and shows downloaded from specific Apple TV app Channels, the validity period can differ. This duration is determined by the individual content provider or supplier for that channel. In some cases, the downloaded content might expire in less than 30 days. It's advisable to check the terms for the specific channel you are subscribed to.
Purchased Movies
When you purchase a movie from the Apple TV app (formerly iTunes Store), it generally remains accessible in your library indefinitely. Once downloaded to your device, it will stay there until you manually delete it or if your device runs out of storage space. Purchased movies do not expire in the same way rental or subscription content does, as you own the license to view them. You can typically re-download them at any time, as long as the content remains available in the Apple TV store.
Rented Movies
Rented movies come with a specific viewing window:
- You usually have 30 days from the moment you rent the movie to begin watching it.
- Once you start playing the movie, you typically have 24 to 48 hours to finish watching it. During this viewing period, you can watch the movie as many times as you like. After this viewing window or the initial 30 days (whichever comes first), the rental expires, and the downloaded file will become unplayable.
Download Validity Overview
Here’s a summary of how long movies generally stay downloaded on Apple TV:
| Content Type | Download Validity | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apple TV+ | 30 days from download | Requires re-authentication/re-download to renew validity |
| Apple TV App Channels | Varies by supplier (can be less than 30 days) | Check specific channel terms for precise details |
| Purchased Movies | Indefinite (until manually deleted or storage full) | License is permanent; content can be re-downloaded if available |
| Rented Movies | 30 days to start watching; 24-48 hours once started | Expires after viewing window or 30 days from rental, whichever comes first |
Practical Insights for Managing Downloads
- Monitor Storage: Downloaded movies and shows can consume a significant amount of storage space on your device. Regularly review and delete content you have already watched or no longer need, particularly on devices with limited storage capacity like iPhones, iPads, or Apple TV streaming boxes.
- Internet Connectivity: For subscription-based content (Apple TV+ and Apple TV app Channels), an internet connection is periodically required to verify your subscription and refresh the validity of your downloaded content, even if it's already on your device.
- Re-downloading Content: Purchased movies can be easily re-downloaded from your library if you accidentally delete them, provided they are still available in the Apple TV store. Similarly, subscription content can be re-downloaded as long as your subscription is active.
