Apple is considering bundling its paid Internet services — including Apple News+, Apple TV+, and Apple Music, as soon as 2020, in a bid to gain more subscribers, reports Bloomberg, quoting unnamed “people familiar with the matter.”
The article says that the latest sign of this strategy is a provision that Apple included in deals with publishers that lets the iPhone maker bundle the News+ subscription service with other paid digital offerings. According to the Sellers Research Group (that’s me) such a bundle makes a lot of sense. And it’s not the first time we’ve heard such rumors.
Last month, a report from the Financial Times (a subscription is required to read the article) said Apple is in discussion with records labels to bundle Apple Music and the upcoming Apple TV+ into a “super-bundle” of music, movies, and TV shows. he FT said that some record labels are on board, but at least one major label is leery. The article said a price for such a super bundle hasn’t been determined.
Apple Music costs $9.99 per month for individuals in the U.S. (with a $4.99 tier for students). Apple News is $9.99 per month. Apple TV+ costs $4.99 per month. However, you can get a free one-year subscription if you buy a new Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or iPod touch.