Advanced Television

Apple TV set for April launch

February 14, 2019

Apple is reportedly preparing to to launch its long-awaited streaming service in April. A star-studded unveiling is set to take place at the Steve Jobs Theater in California on March 25th, where the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and JJ Abrams – who are all involved with various Apple originals – will be in attendance.

The Apple TV service will allow customers to sign up for existing digital streaming apps and watch them in the iOS TV application, similar to Amazon’s Prime Video Channels. Netflix and Hulu aren’t part of Prime Video Channels and aren’t expected to be a part of Apple’s product either, according to reports. However, Lionsgates’ Starz; CBS’ Showtime and Viacom are all expected to offer content on the platform.

There is still no firm information regarding payment for Apple’s TV plans. Somes reports have suggested Apple’s content will be delivered via a subscription service akin to Netflix, whilst others have indicated that Apple plans to provide at least some of its original content to Apple device owners for free. Details should become clearer at the March 25th event. The tech firm currently has some two dozen original shows in various stages of development.

Apple is also said to be seeking a 30 per cent cut of any subscription fee that VoD services earns through being on its platfrom.

Along with its TV service, Apple is preparing to unveil a news service that will let Apple News users to sign up for $9.99 per month giving unlimited access to paywalled content. There is also a magazine subscription service in the pipeline, which will provide unlimited access to a library of magazine titles for the same price.

 

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