Apple plans to mix free original content with subscription “channels” to existing digital video services on its “TV” app on iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs, according to CBNC. The tech giant is interested in PG-rated series that could evolve be tent pole franchises for a future digital video service, the article adds.
Apple plans to debut the revamped app in early 2019, according to CNBC, quoting unnamed “people familiar with the matter.” Customers will purportedly be able to access all of their content from within the TV app instead of having to download individual apps from multiple media providers.
It’s also been speculated that Apple might create a single subscription offering that would encompass its original TV shows, music service and magazine articles. Such an offering would be a bit similar to Amazon’s Prime service, which spans video, music and some news.
The tech giant has 25 scripted TV series in the works. Apple Music has almost 40 million subscribers. And the Cupertino, California-based company has acquired Texture, a digital mag subscription app.
The Sellers Research Group (that’s me) thinks the second option — a single subscription service — makes more sense than providing free content in the TV app. Speaking of which, where is the macOS version of the TV app?
