What Does Pre-Order Mean on Apple TV?

Scott Daly

a flat screen tv sitting on top of a white cabinet

When it comes to staying ahead in the fast-paced world of digital entertainment, pre-ordering on Apple TV is a savvy move for avid watchers. This feature fundamentally acts as a reservation system for movies, TV shows, and other content that is not yet available to the public. The essence of pre-ordering is to ensure that you are among the first to access these materials as soon as they are released.

On Apple TV, pre-ordering a movie or TV show means you are requesting to purchase it before it is available for sale. You can pre-order items in the Apple TV app on your iPhone. 

When a pre-ordered item is released, the following happens:

  • You will receive an email and your payment method will be billed.
  • If you have automatic downloads enabled, the item will automatically download to the device you used to purchase it.
  • If you don’t see the pre-ordered item on your device, you can find it in your purchases and download it.
  • If the item is an app or game, you can also find it in the App Store and tap or click Get. 

Pre-orders can be canceled by clicking Manage Pre-Orders and then selecting the item to cancel and following the onscreen instructions. 

Pre-orders allow manufacturers to gauge demand and sellers to be assured of minimum sales. However, release dates for pre-ordered products are not always guaranteed and can be delayed for a variety of reasons.

Pre-Ordering on Apple TV: Explained

What is Pre-Ordering?

Pre-ordering on Apple TV lets you reserve movies or TV shows before they’re officially out. Think of it like calling dibs on a hot new item before it hits the shelves.

Why Pre-Order?

You might pre-order to make sure you get access the second the content drops. Some movies or shows might have limited availability initially, and pre-ordering guarantees you a spot.

How to Pre-Order

It’s simple. Find the movie or show you want on Apple TV. If it’s available for pre-order, you’ll see a button to do so. Click it, confirm your purchase, and you’re all set.

When Will You Be Charged?

You usually won’t be charged right away. The charge typically goes through a few days before the release date. Check the fine print just to be sure.

What Happens on Release Day?

On release day, your pre-ordered content will automatically show up in your library, ready to watch. You’ll also get an email notification letting you know it’s available.

Understanding Pre-Ordering on Apple TV

Pre-ordering on Apple TV allows users to reserve a copy of their desired content before its official release. This system is particularly useful for those who are keen on getting their hands on the latest entertainment offerings without delay. When you pre-order an item on Apple TV, you essentially book it in advance, guaranteeing that you will have access to it immediately upon its release.

How Pre-Ordering Works

The process is quite straightforward. In the Apple TV app on your device, you simply search for the movie or TV show you wish to pre-order. Once you find the desired content, you proceed to its details page and select the pre-order option. This action effectively places a reservation for the item.

Notifications and Billing

An important aspect of pre-ordering is the notification and billing process. When you pre-order an item on Apple TV, you are not billed immediately. Instead, billing occurs once the item becomes available. At this point, your payment method is charged, and you receive an email notification confirming the availability of the content you pre-ordered​​​​.

The Convenience of Pre-Ordering

The primary advantage of pre-ordering is convenience. By reserving a movie or TV show ahead of its release, you eliminate the wait time and uncertainty associated with new releases. This feature is particularly appealing to those who follow specific series or are fans of certain genres, ensuring they don’t miss out on the latest content.

Managing Pre-Orders

Apple also provides a streamlined way to manage your pre-orders. In iTunes, you can view and manage all your pre-orders by navigating to your account settings and selecting ‘Manage Pre-Orders. Here, you can see a list of all items you have pre-ordered. If, for any reason, you decide to cancel a pre-order, this is also the place where you can do so​​.

FAQs

What happens if I pre-order a movie on Apple TV?

When you pre-order a movie on Apple TV, you reserve a copy for yourself and ensure you’ll have access to it as soon as it’s released. The movie will be automatically added to your library on its release date, and you’ll receive a notification when it’s ready to watch.

Can I cancel a pre-order on Apple TV?

Yes, you can cancel a pre-order on Apple TV anytime before its release date. You won’t be charged if you cancel before the release.

Will I be charged immediately for a pre-order on Apple TV?

No, you won’t be charged immediately for a pre-order on Apple TV. You’ll only be charged when the content becomes available and is added to your library.

How will I know when my pre-ordered content is available?

You’ll receive a notification on your device when your pre-ordered content is available to watch. Additionally, you can check the release date on the content’s details page in the Apple TV app.

Can I pre-order all types of content on Apple TV?

Pre-ordering is typically available for movies that haven’t been released yet. You might also be able to pre-order some TV shows or other content, but availability can vary.

Is pre-ordering on Apple TV available in all regions?

Pre-ordering availability might vary depending on your region and the specific content. Check the Apple TV app in your region to see what’s available for pre-order.

How do I find pre-order options for content on Apple TV?

You can find pre-order options by browsing the Apple TV app and looking for movies or shows with a “Pre-Order” button. You can also search for specific titles and check their details page to see if pre-ordering is available.

What if I miss the release date of my pre-ordered content?

If you miss the release date, don’t worry. The content will still be added to your library, and you can watch it whenever you’re ready.

Can I pre-order content on Apple TV without an Apple ID?

No, you need an Apple ID to make purchases and pre-orders on Apple TV.

How can I view my pre-order history on Apple TV?

You can view your pre-order history by going to Settings > Users and Accounts > [Your Name] > Pre-Orders in the Apple TV app.

How to Find the Release Date on a Pre-Ordered Item

There are a few ways to find the release date of an item you’ve pre-ordered:

  • Check the product page: The release date is typically displayed on the product page where you placed the pre-order. Look for information like “Release Date” or “Available on” near the pre-order button.
  • Check your order confirmation: The release date should also be mentioned in your order confirmation email or receipt.
  • Look in your account’s order history: Most online stores allow you to view your order history, which usually includes the expected release date for pre-ordered items.
  • Contact customer support: If you’re unable to find the release date using the methods above, don’t hesitate to contact the store’s customer support for assistance.

Remember, release dates can sometimes change due to unforeseen circumstances. If you’re eagerly awaiting a pre-ordered item, it’s a good idea to periodically check for any updates or changes to the release date.