United Airlines passengers can now watch popular Apple TV+ originals including Severance, Ted Lasso and Slow Horses for free during flights, the airline said Tuesday. The partnership brings full seasons of award-winning Apple TV+ content to United’s 130,000-plus seatback screens and mobile app.
Apple TV+ shows on United Airlines flights
The initial rollout includes complete first seasons of five flagship Apple TV+ series, United said: Severance, Shrinking, Ted Lasso, Slow Horses and Silo. The airline plans to add The Morning Show and Bad Sisters in September, with additional content added monthly. The airline promises more than 250 TV episodes, documentaries and films will eventually be available through the partnership.
The timing seems particularly notable for Severance. It recently became Apple TV+’s most Emmy-nominated series after mcuh critical acclaim for its second season. United passengers can now watch all nine episodes of the psychological thriller’s first season on any domestic or international flight with entertainment systems.
Enhanced viewing experience
United has been investing heavily in its in-flight entertainment infrastructure as part of its United Next growth plan. The airline recently announced new aircraft interiors featuring 27-inch, 4K OLED seatback screens with Bluetooth connectivity — the largest among U.S. carriers. These screens will house the Apple TV+ content alongside United’s existing entertainment library.
The Apple content appears on a dedicated Apple TV+ channel within United’s entertainment system. That lets passengers start watching on short flights and continue on subsequent United flights where they left off.
Strategic partnership expansion
This collaboration extends United’s existing relationship with Apple beyond entertainment. The airline was the first U.S. carrier to support Live Activities for iPhone, providing real-time flight updates on lock screens. United recently integrated Apple’s Share Item Location feature for AirTags, helping customers track luggage. Way back in 2011, the airline gave 11,000 iPads to United pilots to create “paperless flight decks.” And United equipped employees with iPhones and iPads for improved customer service.
The move follows American Airlines, which began offering free Apple TV+ content in 2020. For Apple, the partnership provides broader exposure for its streaming content. It could potentially convert viewers into subscribers who want to watch beyond the first seasons available on flights. Apple TV+ costs $9.99 monthly or $99 annually for individual subscriptions.
Source: United Airlines
