Rumor: Apple considering a ‘dongle’ to promote its upcoming streaming service

Apple is considering a “dongle” — a streamlined, lower-priced version of the Apple TV — to push its upcoming streaming service, according to The Information.

The device — akin to Amazon’s Fire Stick (pictured) or Google’s Chromecast — would put into the back of a TV set. It will make Apple’s upcoming video streaming service—which will only be available on the company’s devices such as the Apple TV, Macs, iPhones, and iPads—more widely available, according to The Information.

Apple’s streaming service is expected to launch in the first half of 2019. One rumor claims it will be available free to those who buy some of the aforementioned Apple products. Another rumor (which seems more likely to me) is that Apple will 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. Apple currently has 25 scripted series in development.