We’re all too aware of the might of Amazon and Netflix in the world of entertainment streaming (Netflix alone has over 125 million subscribers), and other players like Now TV – in addition to free services like the BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub.
But if all that’s not enough, there could soon be another option – brought to you by Apple.
Put very simply, it’s Apple’s attempt to join the entertainment streaming game, with their own shows and films available by subscription on Apple TV, iPhone and iPad.
How will this be different from the others?
Well, it will offer a different selection of shows from the others, with Jay Hunt, the former controller of BBC One, brought in to oversee the commissioning of new content. Apple is projected to spend $4.2bn on original programming by 2022. One thing that could set it apart from the rest is the rumour that it might show movies within a month of cinema release.
Any ideas about the sort of stuff they’ll be showing?
It’ll likely be a mixture of dramas, mini-series, one-off films and family/children’s entertainment. Expect a family-friendlier selection than some other providers (less swearing and the like).
Apple have recently announced they’ll be working with Oprah Winfrey to create content, but gave no further detail. There are also deals in place for shows involving the likes of Steven Spielberg, Reese Witherspoon and JJ Abrams, in addition to shows like Carpool Karaoke which are already available to watch through Apple Music.
We’re thinking later next year. We’re not expecting too much in the way of detail from Apple until early 2019.
How much will it cost, and will it be available as part of the Apple Music subscription?
That’s the bit we don’t know at the moment. Right now, it is possible to watch some shows through your £9.99 Apple Music subscription, but it remains to be seen whether this new service will be incorporated into a re-branded Apple Music or through the TV app. It could even be an opportunity to undercut Netflix, which is generally £7.99 a month.
As mentioned, you’ll be able to watch through iPhone and iPad, and through Apple TV. It is possible that in order to watch content from Apple through your TV, you’ll need an Apple TV to do so, but this is still to be determined.
It’s true, some of the details are a little sketchy right now, but what we do know is that the team at Apple are busy working on ideas, busy producing them – and spending a lot of money in the process. They look pretty serious about this, and when we have more details, we’ll pass them on to you.
What would you like to see from an Apple TV subscription service? Would it make you give up Netflix or Amazon? Tell us in the comments section below.