TV Answer Man, the Braves are playing on Apple again. Do you know if it’s still free or do I need to subscribe? — Bob, Augusta, Georgia.
Tom, Apple TV+ is offering an exclusive weekly Friday night doubleheader of Major League Baseball games this season. The games will not be broadcast anywhere else, including the teams’ regional sports channels such as Bally Sports, MLB Extra Innings, or MLB.TV. Friday night’s (September 2) doubleheader is the Miami Marlins-Atlanta Braves at 7 p.m. ET and the Philadelphia Phillies-San Francisco Giants game at 10 p.m. ET.
The good news is that Apple TV+ will provide the games for free for the entire season and it’s relatively easy to watch them.
The first thing is to get an Apple ID. If you already own an Apple device, such as an iPad or iPhone, you probably have one. But if you don’t, you go to the Apple TV+ web site and click the Sign In button in the right hand corner of the Home Page. A screen will display with instructions on how to sign up. Click the ‘Create New Apple TV ID’ link.
Shop Now at Amazon! See the 1-Day-Only Deals
Then, about 30 minutes before the game begins, open the Apple TV+ app or go to its web site. You’ll see the game listed in a thumbnail on the Home Page. Click on the thumbnail and start watching. It’s that easy. Pre-game shows usually begin about 30 minutes before first pitch.
Shop Now at Amazon! See the 1-Day-Only Deals!
However, there are a few other things you need to know.
* Apple TV+ is not available on Android phones or tablets. If you own one of those, you will need to watch the games on the web site.
* If you subscribe to MLB.TV, you can watch the game by clicking on the Apple TV+ icon in the app. That will take you directly to the Apple TV+ app. (Unless you’re using an Android phone or tablet.)
* The games are not only free, you don’t have to input any financial information to watch, such as a credit card number.
* The games are streamed in 1080p, not 4K, as some have suggested. But the picture is still quite remarkable for HD.
For more information on which devices are compatible with Apple TV+, click here.
Tom, hope that helps. Happy viewing and stay safe!
Have a question about new TV technologies? Send it to The TV Answer Man at swann@tvanswerman.com Please include your first name and hometown in your message.
— Phillip Swann
@tvanswerman
There’s no freakin audio
Appreciated being able to watch the Braves for free on AppleTV+ but would love for them to utilize different announcers!