This tree is very vigorous, with an upright-spreading habit. It is a reliable annual cropper and resistant to scab but susceptible to fireblight. Arthur Turner is partially self-fertile, but it will produce better crops in the presence of a pollenizer. It has a stunning, dense, pink bloom, and it is the only apple tree to have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit as a flowering tree.

The apple is large, slightly flat, ribbed, and conic. The yellow-green skin is patched and netted with russet and often blushed orange-red. The white flesh is firm and fine-grained, with a sweet-tart flavor. Arthur Turner is traditionally used for baking and sauce; it cooks down to a sweet, yellow puree that needs little additional sugar. Early ripening, the fruit does not store well, but it does have an extended harvest season. By the end of its season, the apples will be sweet enough for fresh eating.

Arthur Turner was introduced in 1915 by Charles Turner of Royal Nurseries, who was also responsible for popularizing Cox's Orange Pippin. This variety was originally named Turner Prolific, but it was renamed in 1915 when Charles' son Arthur died in the field in Flanders.