Mike Wuerthele
Apple's long-awaited video streaming service is set for an April debut, according to a new report, but with some industry stalwarts missing.
Apple is reportedly set to launch the service in April, which has been in the works for some time. Early holdouts are said to include HBO and Netflix, with a new report claiming that saying that the service will resemble the implementation used for Amazon Prime's Video Channels.
CBS, Viacom, and Starz are all said to be on-board with streaming, according to sources familiar with the matter speaking to CNBC. Apple also has a large amount of unique content in varying stages of production.
An Apple release event is predicted to happen at the end of March, with a debut of a subscription news service. Should the April date be accurate, it is likely that Apple will announce its streaming service, and possibly a full subscription plan that analysts have been clamoring for at the same time.
Apple has been working on a push for original video content for some time, including spending at least a billion dollars on the project so far. It is thought that the first shows from the effort will make an appearance in the next few months, but it is still unclear how it will take form.
It has been suggested there could be a subscription streaming service bundle with Apple Music and other content. Other rumors postulate that it could be a free perk for Apple-device owners, with third-party subscription-based streaming services offered alongside it.
While the project remains a partial mystery, Apple CEO Tim Cook did reaffirm the company's commitment during a conference call for its most recent quarterly results. As well as affirming a commitment to the Apple TV, Cook hinted towards its original video content plans.
"We will participate in the original content world. We've signed a multi-year partnership with Oprah," Cook said. "Today I'm not really ready to extend that conversation beyond that point. We've hired some people we have a super amount of confidence in. They're working on that really hard. We'll have more to say on that later."
While the potential service could involve accessing streaming services from other content providers, at one point there was the possibility of Apple offering the streams directly. A few years ago, Apple was reportedly in talks to create just such a service, but evidently it decides against such a move, in favor of creating its own original content.
Andrew Orr
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
21 Comments
I kinda don't get it. You can subscribe and stream HBO on Apple TV right now. It was actually the centerpiece of an Apple event some time ago. I actually don't understand the point of this as a consumer. Is the expectation about the original content they will be unveiling? Or something else?
I’m guessing that, like Hulu, Netflix and Amazon, the point would be that anyone could sign up with any device... not just AppleTV. So you could sign up for it on a Roku for instance. But if you already have an AppleTV with HBO Now and Showtime subscriptions... (that can share it’s content in the TV app and Up Next) then I don’t think there’s any point. Unless it’s cheaper.
Can we say that Apple's upcoming streaming video service is similar to Apple's upcoming news service and Apple's existing streaming music service, in the sense that we pay Apple for [mostly] someone else's content (video, news, music)? Is there any chance Apple might bundle its services at a lower price? Another question: "news" usually comes both in text form and in video form, so would a video news channel sell their product on the Apple News service or on the Apple Streaming Video service?
I have a bad feeling about this and from the very beginning of reading articles on the likes of AI, this whole "Apple intends to spend ("invest") $1B on original content" just didn't seem to be practical or feel copacetic to me. Felt more like a need to stroke some egos... What will Tim Cook be wearing on the Red Carpet???
Apple Music is a complete mess to begin with and needs a complete overhaul in every aspect. If Apple Music is so important to Apple, consideration should be given to investing in the platform. Apple doesn't need personalities from the industry, they need people with real experience from the record retail industry that was in full tilt boogie during the '70's. Apple Music needs to be the ultimate one-source Artist/Music depository. And come on Apple, give me a break, up the damn quality of the stream, owners of the HomePod will thank you! - oh and by the way, they shouldn't have to pay any additional amount for the higher quality stream.
Apple should consider the acquisition of Tidal.
This video streaming service is a complete distraction that Apple doesn't need. Another "me too" move by Apple.