Apple TV+ tries to become the first US streamer in China

Apple has reportedly been in talks with China Mobile about bringing both Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade to the country.

It's currently not possible to watch Apple TV+ shows in China, either via Apple itself or deals such as ones in France and India that bundle the service with other streamers. It's also not possible to get Netflix, Disney or any non-Chinese streamers in the country, although a limited number of individual shows or films are released via other firms.

According to The Information, however, in 2023, Apple began negotiating for its full Apple TV+ service to be provided in China via China Mobile. This firm has over 200 million broadband customers so already pay for various TV services via its Mobile HD set top box.

It's not clear whether the negotiations are continuing. However, it's believed that alongside Apple TV+, the deal could include bringing Apple Arcade to China too.

Neither Apple nor China Mobile have commented. But it's believed that China Mobile customers viewers would have the option to get Apple TV+ for a monthly fee, and that the revenue would in some way be split between the two companies.

In March 2024, Tim Cook visited China and said that the country remains vital to Apple. He was talking specifically about the manufacturing supply chain there and its importance to the iPhone.

But getting a service like Apple TV+ into the country would vastly expand its audience reach. It would also potentially come under criticism as US/China relations continue to be poor.

Apple has already been criticized for allegedly telling its Apple TV+ producers to not besmirch China. "The Problem with Jon Stewart" was reportedly cancelled partly because the comedy documentary wanted to feature China.

If Apple TV+ were offered by China Mobile, it would reportedly be solely via the firm's Mobile HD set top box. It's not clear, then, how or whether Chinese iPhone users would be able to watch.

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9 Comments

kkqd1337 468 comments · 12 Years

About 5 months ago

Hey Siri, delete the words 'altruistic' and 'privacy' from company mission statement.

daven 719 comments · 16 Years

Hey, if it means increased stock price and dividends, I’m all for it.

radarthekat 3902 comments · 12 Years

kkqd1337 said:

Hey Siri, delete the words 'altruistic' and 'privacy' from company mission statement.

But keep the phrase ‘engage to influence .’

longfang 517 comments · 16 Years

kkqd1337 said:

Hey Siri, delete the words 'altruistic' and 'privacy' from company mission statement.

Hey Siri, add overbearing self righteous xenophobe to kkqd1337’s profile description.

gatorguy 24609 comments · 13 Years

radarthekat said:

kkqd1337 said:

Hey Siri, delete the words 'altruistic' and 'privacy' from company mission statement.

But keep the phrase ‘engage to influence .’

How has Apple positively influenced China's policies so far? They've had a decade or three to do so.

Outside of China, they make a lot of noise about privacy and "protecting the user." Not a peep IN China or directed to China's leadership. Is there anything specific you can think of? Understanding the word "heel" is all the Apple engagement that's been obvious. Or even hinted at.

So no, It's always about the money IMHO.

Anyway, AppleTV+ cannot be a streaming service in China despite the way this has been framed. Under Chinese law, Apple isn't allowed to operate their own video-streaming services in China.

The best they can do is license some content, obviously very limited and select programming. China Mobile would never chance upsetting any Chinese authorities, nor would Apple (even in their US programming) so it would never be the "full Apple TV+ service" would it?