Mar 28, 2019

Apple Announces Details of Its Next Streaming Platform, Apple TV+.

[Apple TV+ will offer original programming to compete with existing streaming operators such as Netflix and Hulu.

On Monday, March 25, the tech company hosted an event to learn more about Apple TV+ and to introduce the first of the creators participating in the content currently in production, including Steven Spielberg, Steve Carell, Oprah, and J.J. Abrams. Apple plans to invest $2 billion in original content to launch the new venture, which is expected to debut this fall. The company also produced a video showcasing the storytellers behind the work.

Apple TV+ will be an ad-free subscription service available in dozens of countries. It will be available online and offline, and will include a download option (like Netflix already offers).

Apple will also redesign the current Apple TV app for users to access Apple TV+. The app is expected to eventually be available for iOS, Mac, Roku, LG, Sony, Vizio, Amazon Fire TV, and Samsung smart TVs. The new app aims to integrate more than 150 streaming apps, including Amazon and Hulu, as well as pay TV services such as Canal+, Charter Spectrum, Directv Now, and PlayStation Vue. The absence of Netflix is conspicuous, and compatibility with Apple TV+ is not offered.

As previously reported, animation is part of Apple's plans for this new platform. Animation projects announced so far include:

Apple has yet to announce details regarding pricing for the upcoming service. Cost will likely be a major factor for users who will need to decide whether to add another monthly fee for entertainment. The Walt Disney Company's Disney+ service and Warner Media's untitled service are also expected to appear before the end of the year.