Amber Neely
Apple continues to brainstorm new ways to lure in Apple TV+ subscribers, including potentially extending the free trial period for new hardware purchasers in the fall.
Apple TV+ launched last September, and those who purchased new Apple gear, such as the iPhone 11 or a new Apple TV, were able to try Apple TV+ free for one year. It was a clever way to encourage people to try out the service before needing to commit to yet another streaming service.
The initial free trial period is expected to expire around the time the "iPhone 12" line launches, if not slightly before. However, according to Bloomberg, Apple may renew the offer, but for a reduced time.
The may be limited to first-time subscribers, though little information is currently available. Those who buy the "iPhone 12" or other Apple gear could be gifted a free trial to Apple TV+.
The free trial would give new "iPhone 12" owners a chance to partake in the rumored Apple AR that is expected to tie in with Apple TV+.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
12 Comments
That is exactly what I have been waiting for, and timely for iPhone 12 buyers.
I think if Apple sees low paid subscriber accounts after the free trial they'll give people another year to get hooked on the new content. If they get enough subscribers post free year then they have little reason to renew the offer.
They really should allow purchases to qualify whether you used your year or not. Keeps people in the ecosystem and keeps people buying.
I don’t see how Apple has a choice. There is too little content, and what content there is has a limited audience anyway. To remove the free subscription with hardware purchase will result in mass ending of current subscriptions.
Falling subscriptions would be a very hard narrative to overcome.
Maybe Apple is playing a long game for TV+. Their hardware is still the biggest money maker, so giving or extending subscriptions is a way to make this happen. Over time, subscriptions will pile up and add to the sevices revenue.
Problem is, as a devoted, loyal fan of Apple, shelling out 1000s of dollars over the year for product but not yet convinced I want another subscription, once you've taken advantage of an offer, your appleID is locked out of future offers. Well, after paying $5k for a new MacBook Pro 16" device, I'd really like to try AppleTV+ (again?) for three months (or whatever the offer is) so obviously $15 shouldn't be a concern but, hey, darn it, I just paid you $5k!