Apple has officially scheduled the global streaming debut of “F1 The Movie” for Friday, December 12, 2025, exclusively on the newly rebranded Apple TV service. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt, the film arrives after a record-breaking theatrical run and Apple’s streaming brand transformation.
Streaming Date and Apple TV Branding
The movie lands on Apple TV worldwide on December 12, marking a prominent highlight of Apple’s updated streaming identity. In a subtle but notable move, Apple has rebranded its subscription streaming service from “Apple TV+” to simply “Apple TV.” The change, announced alongside the movie’s release date, reflects how many users refer to the service and aims to unify Apple’s hardware, app, and streaming branding behind a single name.
Box Office Performance and Critical Acclaim
“F1 The Movie” premiered in theaters on June 27, 2025, and quickly became the year’s highest-grossing sports film, amassing over $629 million in global box office receipts. It is also the biggest live-action film opening in the U.S. in the past five years and Brad Pitt’s top-grossing feature to date. The movie received strong praise, with an “A” CinemaScore and a 97% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Release Format and Availability
The full theatrical cut, including the IMAX version shown in August, will be available to all Apple TV subscribers globally on the same day. Previously, the film had been offered for digital purchase and rental, and physical media, but this marks its first streaming availability included in an Apple TV subscription.
Production and Cast Highlights
Directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the film features Brad Pitt as retired F1 driver Sonny Hayes, with advisor input from Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton. The supporting cast includes Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, and Tobias Menzies.
Industry Impact and Strategy
Apple’s release strategy has drawn industry attention for pairing a traditional theatrical run with a delayed streaming debut, distinguishing it from platforms that rush releases to streaming. The film’s success marks a milestone for Apple Original Films, reinforcing the company’s commitment to cinematic experiences before streaming.
Branding Note and Future Expectations
The Apple TV rebrand, announced without fanfare in the F1 press release, aims to streamline user understanding. Apple currently uses the “Apple TV” name for its set-top box, app, and now the streaming service, which may generate some confusion but is intended to simplify the media ecosystem.
