5 awesome Apple One perks you’re probably missing out on

Apple One launched in late 2020, bundling the company’s premium subscription services together for a discounted price. The highest tier includes unlimited access to Apple Music, TV+, Fitness+, Arcade, News+, and iCloud+, and lets Apple loyalists save up to $32 per month after the latest Apple TV+ price hike.

Five years on, Apple One looks largely the same from a functional point of view: you still get access to just the six main services included at the start. Look deeper, however, and you’ll find that most of these services have evolved, and continue to introduce new features that subscribers can enjoy at no additional cost. Here are five lesser-known Apple One perks you have access to but probably aren’t using.

Email like a pro

iCloud+ is one of Apple’s most popular subscription services, providing users with extra cloud storage for their photos, files, and other data. It’s also known for its privacy-focused perks, like the VPN-like Private Relay tool and Hide My Email for address concealment. What many users don’t know is that iCloud+ bundles custom domain support for your email.

If you’re an entrepreneur or run a small business, chances are you already own a domain name for showcasing your goods on the web. Many professionals connect their domains to Google Workspace to set up a work inbox for reaching clients. iCloud+ can spare you the additional Google Workspace subscription fees.

Using the Settings app, you can connect your existing domain (or a new one you’ve bought for this purpose) to Apple Mail. The process is relatively straightforward, requiring you to add a few standard DNS records to your provider’s dashboard. Once this is sorted, you’ll be able to send and receive emails using your domain name’s address. This looks significantly more professional than opting for your personal email, especially when applying for jobs. And it won’t cost you any extra monthly fees.

A news feed that literally feeds you

Subscribing to Apple News+ means you see fewer ads in the News app and can read or listen to premium articles that would otherwise be locked. Which is useful enough, but many of us are trying to limit our consumption of hard news, given the current state of the planet and the importance of prioritising mental health. Fortunately, Apple News transcends politics: subscribers can now browse recipes too.

The News+ food catalog recently launched on iPhone and iPad, presumably in preparation for the HomePad launch. As an Apple One subscriber, you can search for and access any of the listed recipes, which include ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. The service also integrates with the built-in Clock app, letting you quickly set relevant timers without switching apps. All very Apple-esque.

Games galore

Another News+ perk that many subscribers ignore is access to daily puzzle games, including crosswords, sudoko, and Quartiles—plus a new emoji game as of the launch of iOS 26. Apple News editors publish half a dozen new puzzles every day, letting you enjoy a wide range of types and difficulty levels. They are all ad-free and support Game Center leaderboards for score comparisons.

And if you’re a gamer, don’t forget Apple Arcade. While many of the service’s bundled titles are generally underwhelming, new quality games surface every now and then. The service also offers “plus” editions of some existing premium iPhone games, allowing users to play them for as long as they’re subscribed. So the next time you plan on buying a game, check first on Arcade to see if it’s available there for free.

A musical experience Spotify can’t match

Apple Music is yet another One service you’re likely using every day. Unlike some rival platforms, it offers a bunch of fun and innovative features that many casual listeners are unaware of. For example, if you have guests over, they can scan a QR code to access and control your queue via an Apple TV or HomePod. This makes collaborating on mixes simpler when arranging house parties.

Another cool party trick is karaoke support. Apple Music can muffle recorded vocals while highlighting lyrics as they’re sung in real time. This spares you from searching YouTube for unofficial karaoke editions of songs that aren’t necessarily as well presented.

The One bundle also features the Apple Music Classical app, allowing enthusiasts to browse the classical catalog using a dedicated UI. You can search for composers, read relevant notes, and access other exclusive features unavailable in the main Apple Music app.

Work out when you’re actually out

When Fitness+ is mentioned, many users immediately think of indoor exercises, like HIIT, kickboxing, yoga, pilates, and the like. While these workout types dominate the service’s guided video catalog, there are a couple alternatives for more outdoorsy folks. Time to Walk and Time to Run are two Fitness+ exclusives that let you enjoy the service when out and about. New episodes feature special guests who share inspirational stories.

If you’re seeking lighter activities, Fitness+ also bundles guided meditation sessions that help you control your breathing and reflect.

One bundle to rule them all

Since its launch, Apple One has been one of my favorite subscription services. Not only does it package all of Apple’s main services into a single, streamlined bill, but it also significantly discounts them. You get access to the latest songs, movies, TV series, games, paywalled articles, premium email features, guided workout videos, and much more for a fixed monthly fee. You also get to share these perks for free with up to five other users when opting for the Family or Premier plan. It’s a no-brainer—a gift that keeps on giving, especially if you take advantage of everything Apple gives you.

Author: Mahmoud Itani, Contributor, Macworld