Apple announces price point for Apple TV+, to launch globally on November 1st

Announced at its annual iPhone launch event in Cupertino, Apple also announced that it will offer a free year’s subscription to purchasers of a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod Touch or Mac device. Other users will be able to try out the new SVOD with a one week trial.

Apple TV+ streaming service in India will cost Rs. 99 per month after a one-week free trial and will be available November 1 in more than 100 countries worldwide. The streaming platform, which is solely reliant on original content such as The Morning Show, See and For All Mankind, will launch in over 100 countries and regions.

Asides from Apple’s proprietary devices, the service will be available on the Apple TV app on newer Samsung smart TVs, with future launches promised for Amazon Fire TV, LG, Roku, Sony and VIZIO platforms. No mention was made of availability on Android or Android TV. It is an attempt to avoid the pitfalls of account sharing that have plagued other streamers, Apple says that users can share a subscription with up to six other Apple users through Family Sharing.

Zack Van Amburg, Apple’s head of Worldwide Video, said: “With Apple TV+, we are presenting all-original stories from the best, brightest and most creative minds, and we know viewers will find their new favorite show or movie on our service. “Each Apple TV+ original offers its own unique story, fresh perspective and powerful message – all meant to entertain, connect and inspire cultural conversations.”

Jamie Erlicht, Apple’s other head of Worldwide Video added: “Apple TV+ is an unprecedented global video service with an all-original slate,” said Jamie Erlicht, Apple’s head of Worldwide Video. “We look forward to giving audiences everywhere the opportunity to enjoy these compelling stories within a rich, personalised experience on all the screens they love.” and will complement its Apple News+, Apple Arcade, Apple Music, Apple Card and Apple Pay subscriptions.

Apple has reportedly invested $6 billion (about Rs. 43,040 crores) on Apple TV+ content as yet, still a far cry from what Netflix ($15 billion) and Amazon Prime Video ($7 billion) are investing each year. At launch, Apple TV+ will offer a few series and documentaries: the Hailee Steinfeld-starrer historical coming-of-age comedy Dickinson; Battlestar Galactica creator Ronald D. Moore's alt-history sci-fi For All Mankind; the TV newsroom drama The Morning Show with the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carell; the Jason Momoa-starrer drama See; and the nature documentary The Elephant Queen among them. Per the earlier report, The Morning Show costs more per episode than Game of Thrones' final season, which makes no sense whatsoever.

“Apple recognises the growing importance of services to its future growth. Now is a pivotal time for the company as it executes on its grandeur plan for services. On services, this is a huge statement of intent. Immediate global rollout at a punchy price point outlines Apple’s commitment to compete head on with rivals.”

Pescatore concluded: “These services represent a great add on to Apple iPhone users. It is all about adding value and providing users with the best service experience across devices. Apple is in a unique position to achieve this. Apple needs to retain users, drive engagement and seek to gain new users with its unique service offerings. It must seek to leverage its scale and distribution to promote awareness and generate subscriber uptake for all its new services.”