Apple makes 'The Banker' free until end of June amid Juneteenth celebration

By Mike Peterson

Apple is making its original film "The Banker" free until the end of June in honor of Juneteenth alongside a campaign that highlights African American voices.

Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson in Apple TV+ "The Banker"

The Apple TV+ film, which stars Samuel L. Jackson and Anthony Mackie, follows the true story of two African American entrepreneurs in the 1950s whose actions paved the way for the Fair Housing Act in 1968.

Jackson and Mackie star as Joe Morris and Bernard Garrett, who helped end racial housing segregation in Los Angeles while building a real estate and banking empire. Users can watch "The Banker" on supported devices on the Apple TV app without an Apple TV+ subscription.

The Apple Juneteenth banner on Apple TV

Apple is also celebrating Juneteenth -- a day that commemorates the end of slavery -- and highlighting Black voices across its media platforms, including Apple Music, Apple TV, Podcasts and Books, with new banners and categories.

On Apple TV, for example, the company is showcasing "The Banker" alongside other films being offered for free, including "Just Mercy," "Emanuel" and "Anita." Podcasts is highlighting shows led by African American hosts, including "The Daily Show with Trevor Noah" and "Racket & Respectable" with Demetria L. Lucas. The banners on Apple Music and Books are also highlighting playlists featuring Black artists and a selection of books written by Black authors, respectively.