Apple TV+ launches in early November and will cost $4.99 per month. This year, streaming mainstays like Netflix and Hulu are going to get some serious competition from some of the entertainment industry’s biggest companies. Much has already been said about Disney+, the Mouse House’s streaming platform that will be the exclusive home to Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and an abundance of other programming. Apple is also looking to make a splash in the streaming realm, recruiting a lineup of heavy-hitting creatives to oversee shows and movies for Apple TV+.
It was only a month ago it was reported Apple TV+ was targeting a November 2019 release date, just as Disney+ is. Of course, that would put the two directly against each other as they try to appeal to subscribers. Disney+ made headlines for their low $6.99 monthly price (which is about half of what Netflix costs), but Apple TV+ is coming in even cheaper than that.
During today’s Apple Event (via Wired), it was announced Apple TV+ will launch on November 1, 2019 and be $4.99 per month. People who purchase an iPhone, MacBook, or Apple TV will get a year for free.
Of course, Apple does not possess the sheer amount of popular properties with built-in audiences Disney has, so they’re going in a different direction to generate buzz for their streaming service. In addition to the very low price, Apple is partnering with big names like J.J. Abrams, Taika Waititi, and Steven Spielberg (among others) to produce content for Apple TV+. Obviously, the hope is a couple of these series really take off and entice more people to sign up for a subscription. Apple is also looking to crash the Oscar race with a plan to release up to six awards-worthy movies per year. It’ll be interesting to see if they get any traction there, but Netflix is finding success with Oscar campaigns (illustrating voters will go for streaming movies if the quality is there). Should Apple find their Roma, cinephiles might register just so they can see the film.
The big question is will this be enough to put Apple over the edge. With so many companies in the same space, not everyone is going to be able to win the streaming wars. Some consumers have limited budgets and might have to choose one service over the other. Apple’s monthly price definitely gives them an advantage in that regard, but Disney is coming out hot with Marvel and Star Wars to draw people in. Hopefully for Apple’s sake, Apple TV+ finds its audience and proves to be successful.
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Source: Wired
