Apple still mulling services bundle, iOS 13.5.5 code suggests

Code discovered in the latest iOS 13.5.5 release suggests Apple is working to build out a bundle of its core for-pay services, Apple Music, Apple News+, Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade.

Files and code strings uncovered by 9to5Mac reveal references to a "bundle offer" and "bundle subscription" related to Apple's services management backend. While not directly attached to a specific product, like Apple Music, the language indicates Apple is considering a subscription services combo offer.

Exactly what Apple's bundle might look like is at this point unknown. The company currently fields four main subscription products in Apple Music, Apple News+, Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade. Apple Music and Apple News+ cost $9.99 a month for individuals, while Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade are priced at $4.99 a month. Discounts for each can be had through family and Family Sharing plans. Non-content service programs include Apple Care hardware support, which varies depending on device.

A potential bundle of two or more services would save consumers money and could boost adoption of less popular products.

Apple has long been rumored to be mulling a subscription bundle, though such a product has yet to materialize. A report in November claimed the company was close to striking deals with publishing partners that would enable the rollout of a subscription package sometime this year.

Most recently, however, a report in March noted newly signed deals with record labels effectively precludes Apple from launching a combined service in the near term. The tech giant reportedly informed music executives that it plans to combine its digital services under a bundle-style plan, but discussions on distribution rights are ongoing.

9 Comments

chasm 3590 comments · 10 Years

About 4 years ago

As someone who subscribes to three of the four services already, I would strongly consider a bundle deal ... but I'd like to have an enhanced iCloud storage option in the mix as well. 5GB isn't cutting it anymore for many people, and a bundle might entice people to jump to the 200GB tier much more easily, since the other options for possible subscription are very sharable. There would either need to be a discount on the article-mentioned services OR expanded iCloud storage thrown in before I'd take the bait.

wdowell 234 comments · 15 Years

About 4 years ago

“Mulling”

Enough of this nonsense. Apple doesn’t mull. The decision is taken at this point

mike1 3431 comments · 10 Years

About 4 years ago

chasm said:

As someone who subscribes to three of the four services already, I would strongly consider a bundle deal ... but I'd like to have an enhanced iCloud storage option in the mix as well. 5GB isn't cutting it anymore for many people, and a bundle might entice people to jump to the 200GB tier much more easily, since the other options for possible subscription are very sharable. There would either need to be a discount on the article-mentioned services OR expanded iCloud storage thrown in before I'd take the bait.

I'd consider the right bundle if it were priced right. Personally, I have no interest in News and might try Arcade. I already pay for Music and between me and my wife will likely qualify for free TV+ continuously if they keep that promo going. Extra iCloud storage might be a good value add.

gatorguy 24608 comments · 13 Years

About 4 years ago

mike1 said:

chasm said:

As someone who subscribes to three of the four services already, I would strongly consider a bundle deal ... but I'd like to have an enhanced iCloud storage option in the mix as well. 5GB isn't cutting it anymore for many people, and a bundle might entice people to jump to the 200GB tier much more easily, since the other options for possible subscription are very sharable. There would either need to be a discount on the article-mentioned services OR expanded iCloud storage thrown in before I'd take the bait.

I already pay for Music and between me and my wife will likely qualify for free TV+ continuously if they keep that promo going. Extra iCloud storage might be a good value add.

I don't expect they will, but just based on a hunch. The benefits of an all-in-one subscription wouldn't make marketing sense to me if TV+ was being given away.

Appleish 714 comments · 8 Years

About 4 years ago

I do the annual subscription for Music, and might do the same for Apple TV+, when the free year is up. Not paying for News and Arcade currently. Not interested in them at this time, but a bundle would get my interest.