United Airlines Partners with Apple TV+ for In-Flight Entertainment

United Airlines has partnered with Apple TV+ to offer free access to Apple Originals like Severance, Ted Lasso, and more on in-flight entertainment systems. Customers can watch the first season of flagship shows, with new titles being added monthly. The full Apple TV+ library is not available, but the partnership aims to get flyers hooked on shows so they subscribe to Apple TV+ later.

United Airlines (NYSE: UAL) has announced a significant entertainment upgrade through a partnership with Apple TV+. The airline will offer full seasons of award-winning Apple Original series for free on its 130,000+ seatback screens and United mobile app, featuring shows like Severance, Ted Lasso, and Silo [1].

As part of its United Next growth plan, the company aims to expand to 300,000+ screens across its fleet, featuring new 27-inch, 4K OLED Bluetooth-enabled screens - the largest among U.S. carriers. The partnership will initially include complete first seasons of several popular series, with The Morning Show and Bad Sisters joining in September 2025 [1].

This partnership is part of United's broader strategy to enhance inflight entertainment and improve the overall passenger experience. United has recently added Spotify content and is working to install screens at every seat fleetwide. Additionally, the airline is rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi connectivity across much of its fleet [2].

United's partnership with Apple TV+ is the latest step in a deepening relationship between the two companies. United was the first carrier to integrate "Live Activities" for iPhone users, allowing flyers to get live and personalized flight notifications directly on their phone's lock screen. A similar functionality exists for Apple Watch [2].

This move is aimed at providing passengers with high-quality entertainment options during their flights. While the full Apple TV+ library is not available, the partnership aims to get flyers hooked on shows so they subscribe to Apple TV+ later. The partnership is expected to enhance United's competitive edge in the airline industry by offering a unique and engaging in-flight experience.

References:
[1] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/UAL/severance-at-30-000-feet-award-winning-apple-originals-now-playing-vnn5uo28qxkx.html
[2] https://upgradedpoints.com/news/united-apple-tv-inflight/