Apple reaches iTunes deal with HBO

HBO and Apple have confirmed that TV shows from the broadcaster are now available from the iTunes Store – and HBO has managed to encourage Apple to be a little more flexible on price.

US iTunes users can purchase HBO shows including, “The Sopranos,” “Sex and the City,” “Deadwood” and “Rome”, “Flight of the Concords” and “The Wire.”

What’s interesting is the price: “Sex and the City,” “The Wire” and “Flight of the Conchords” cost $1.99 per episode, while “The Sopranos,” “Deadwood” and “Rome” cost $2.99 per episode. Until now, Apple has only been prepared to offer TV shows at $1.99 each. It’s thought HBO has been able to achieve a slight liberalisation of Apple’s price controls, though as yet we don’t know if other studios plan to emulate HBO with introduction of $2.99 titles.

“We’re thrilled to bring this incredible lineup of programming from HBO to the iTunes Store,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of iTunes. 

In an aside note, “Sex and the City: The Movie” premieres in the US on May 30, marking this HBO is offering all 94 episodes from the entire six seasons of the show.