While many have questioned how Apple plans to deliver its original content to customers, a new report from CNBC today aims to offer more details on the Apple streaming TV service. According to the report, Apple plans to give its original content away for free to users of its hardware products.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, CNBC says that the Apple streaming TV service will combine original content with existing “subscription services from legacy media companies.”
What this means, according to the report, is that via the TV app on iOS and Apple TV, users will be able to access Apple’s original content for free, as well as signup for other subscription “channels” at their normal prices.
Apple is preparing a new digital video service that will marry original content and subscription services from legacy media companies, according to people familiar with the matter. Owners of Apple devices, such as the iPhone, iPad and Apple TV will find the still-in-the-works service in the pre-installed “TV” application, said the people, who asked not to be named because the details of the project are private.
This isn’t the first we’ve heard of Apple expanding its TV application. Bloomberg reported earlier this year that Apple would upgrade its TV app with subscription features, but today’s report adds the detail that Apple’s own original content will be included in the revamped TV app at no additional cost.
Interestingly, CNBC adds that Apple is looking for “tent pole franchises that could serve as linchpins to a paid Netflix-like subscription service down the road.” This implies that while Apple would initially offer its “PG-rated” shows for free in the TV app, it could still offer an additional subscription service down the line:
Apple is spending about $1 billion on original content this year, targeting “PG-rated” shows that appeal to wide audiences and won’t get the company in trouble by making them available for free to owners of all devices, said the people. Apple is also looking for “tent pole” franchises that could serve as linchpins to a paid Netflix-like subscription service down the road, two of the people said.
CNBC says Apple plans to debut its new TV app in early 2019. Currently, Apple offers season 2 of its Carpool Karaoke series for free via the TV app. What do you think of what we know about the Apple streaming TV service so far? Let us know down in the comments.
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