Here’s how it breaks down if you want to rent a movie from Apple:
Macs running the Catalina version of macOS: Apple TV app Macs running the Mojave version and earlier of macOS: iTunes iOS devices: Apple TV app Apple TV: Movies App Windows-based PCs: iTunes
Requirements to Rent and Watch Movies From Apple
To rent movies from Apple, you’ll need an Apple ID with a valid credit or debit card on it. You’ll also need a high-speed internet connection of at least 8 megabits per second for high-definition movies. As far as software goes, you’ll need macOS (which comes with the Apple TV app) or, if you are running an older version of macOS, the latest version of iTunes, iOS, or tvOS. To watch your rented movies from Apple, you’ll need one of the following:
An iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad with iOS 3.1.3 or higher An Apple TV A Mac or PC An iPod Classic An iPod nano (3rd-5th generations)
Cost Differences for Apple Movie Rentals
Several factors affect the price of a movie rental from Apple. The main difference is between standard- and high-definition versions. For the same movie, the HD version costs more than the SD one, but it may also include special features and content like deleted scenes and featurettes. Other rentals are priced higher because they offer something extra. In many cases, this means that the movie is available as an Apple rental while it’s still in theaters or even before it premieres. In both cases, you pay a premium to see the film early or to see it without leaving home.
Terms and Time Limits of Apple Movie Rentals
Two time limits are in place when it comes to Apple Movie movie rentals. The first determines how long you have to watch the movie after you make your purchase. You have 30 days from the day you rent to view it. If you don’t watch the film in that 30-day window, your rental expires, and you’ll have to rent it again. The second starts once you start playing your rented movie for the first time. After pressing Play, you have 48 hours to finish watching it. If you don’t, the video expires, and you’ll need to rent it again. You can watch the movie as many times as you like in that period. After you watch a movie, or if its rental period expires, your device will automatically remove it from your devices.
How to Download Apple Movie Rentals Using Apple TV App
As long as you stay connected to the internet, you don’t have to download the films you rent to watch them. They stream directly to your computer from Apple. But if you’re going to travel, you can also download them and watch them anywhere. We’re going to assume you’ve found the movie you want to rent. In order to download it for offline viewing:
How to Download Apple Movie Rentals Using iTunes
You can still download movies via iTunes on Macs that are running the pre-Catalina operating and PCs running Windows.
Availability of Rented Movies
The Apple TV app provides a central location for all the content tied to your Apple ID, but that only extends to films and TV shows you purchase. You can watch an iTunes rental on any device you own regardless of which one you used to make the purchase, but it can only be played on one of them at a time. So you could buy a rental on your Mac, start it on your iPad, and finish it on your Apple TV. But you can’t watch it on your iPad and Apple TV simultaneously.
