One of Disney's biggest announcements earlier this year is the launch of its Disney+ streaming TV service on November 12 in the United States for $6.99 per month. But it's not the only new streaming service we're getting this year. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman published a new report claiming that Apple's competing TV service, called Apple TV Plus, will also launch in November, but will probably cost more.
Both Apple and Disney are set to compete with other TV services, which are now getting increasingly crowded, the likes of Netflix, Starz, Showtime, and HBO. The Bloomberg report claims that Apple TV Plus will come with a "small selection of shows" at launch, including Truth Be Told, See, Amazing Stories, The Morning Show, and a documentary series called Home.
As for the prices, Apple is reportedly still working on it, but the decision is leaning toward $9.99. The company is also making decisions as to how content is released. On Netflix, entire seasons of shows are usually released on one day, while HBO releases episodes on a weekly basis.
Apple is reportedly considering to release the first three episodes of a season all at once, then proceed with a weekly episode after that. According to Financial Times, the Cupertino company is spending $6 billion on original shows, and that's just for this year alone.
Apple TV Plus looks to be a star-studded affair in general, with Apple having just released its first full trailer for news set drama The Morning Show, which stars Jennifer Aniston, Steve Carrel, and Reese Witherspoon.
Apple continues to offer services seeing that there is a big opportunity in that area. Some of their services, like Apple Music and the App Store, are a major hit among consumers, thanks to the 1.4 billion Apple devices currently active.
Now Apple has joined the TV and streaming bandwagon, but the company is not stopping there. It also has introduced Apple Arcade, its new gaming service, as well as news subscriptions. The company now has its own credit card as well, called the Apple Card.
Time will tell whether Apple will can succeed in this new endeavor, joining giants already enjoying success in a competitive market. What's clear is that everyone clamoring for a seat at the table is being forced to spend more than ever - and that's where Apple clearly has no issue. With the company's huge base of loyal fans, maybe TV and streaming will become its new trophy.
