Apple Creator Studio 3-month free trial offered even for older devices

Apple has launched its new Creator Studio bundle, and while the company initially advertised a standard 1-month free trial for all users, many are discovering they're being offered a more generous 3-month trial period—even with devices purchased months ago.

When Apple first announced Creator Studio, the company stated that 1-month trials would be available to everyone, while 3-month trials would be given "with the purchase of a new Mac or qualifying iPad." However, the reality appears to be quite different from the initial marketing.

Broader eligibility than expected

Multiple users are reporting receiving the 3-month trial offer on devices that don't fit the "new" category. One user who purchased an M5 iPad Pro in October 2025 was surprised to receive the extended trial offer in January 2026. Another colleague who bought an M3 MacBook Air in 2024 also qualified for the 3-month trial.

This suggests Apple is applying the "new device" qualifier much more broadly than the marketing materials indicated. The company hasn't publicly clarified how recent a device needs to be to qualify for the extended trial, but the evidence shows the eligibility window is significantly wider than expected.

How the trial works

Users who receive the 3-month offer see a message stating "Your new device includes 3 months of Creator Studio for free" with an "Accept 3 Months Free" button. After the initial period, Creator Studio will automatically renew at $12.99 per month unless canceled before the trial ends.

The 3-month trial appears to be delivered through the standard in-app subscription popup, making the process seamless for eligible users.

What is Apple Creator Studio?

While not detailed in the announcement, Apple Creator Studio is positioned as a bundle offering for content creators and creative professionals. The $12.99 monthly price point suggests it includes multiple Apple services or enhanced features tailored for creative workflows.

Implications for users

This broader eligibility for the 3-month trial is good news for Apple users who have purchased devices within the past year or so. It provides an extended opportunity to test the Creator Studio bundle without commitment, potentially increasing adoption among creative professionals who might be on the fence about the subscription.

For those with older devices who don't receive the extended trial, the standard 1-month offer still provides a chance to evaluate the service before subscribing.

The discrepancy between Apple's initial marketing and the actual rollout also highlights how tech companies sometimes adjust promotional strategies after launch based on adoption rates or strategic goals.

What devices qualify?

Based on current reports, devices that have qualified for the 3-month trial include:

• M5 iPad Pro (purchased October 2025)
• M3 MacBook Air (purchased in 2024)

The pattern suggests that devices from the past 12-18 months may be eligible, though Apple hasn't confirmed specific cutoff dates or device requirements.

Getting started with Creator Studio

If you're interested in trying Apple Creator Studio, the best approach is to check your device's eligibility. The offer appears to be delivered automatically when users attempt to sign up for the service, so you may need to initiate the subscription process to see if you qualify for the extended trial.

Remember that after the trial period ends, the subscription will automatically renew at $12.99 per month, so set a reminder if you decide the service isn't for you.

Community feedback

The 9to5Mac team is collecting data on which devices are qualifying for the extended trial. If you've received the 3-month offer, sharing your device details in the comments can help build a clearer picture of Apple's actual eligibility criteria.

This generous approach to trial periods could signal Apple's strategy to quickly build a user base for Creator Studio, recognizing that creative professionals often need extended testing periods before committing to subscription services that integrate into their workflows.

For now, if you own a relatively recent Apple device, it's worth checking whether you qualify for the extended 3-month trial of Apple Creator Studio.