Apple One services bundle could launch in October, alongside iPhone 12

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Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+
Services package could be called 'Apple One'.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple is preparing a series of bundles that would group together its services at a lower monthly cost than buying them separately, Bloomberg claims.

The bundles are reportedly being referred to under the name Apple One. They could launch as soon as October, alongside the new iPhones.

According to Bloomberg:

“There will be different tiers, according to the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private plans. A basic package will include Apple Music and Apple TV+, while a more expensive variation will have those two services and the Apple Arcade gaming service. The next tier will add Apple News+, followed by a pricier bundle with extra iCloud storage for files and photos.”

The new bundles will supposedly be aimed at families. They work work with Apple’s Family Sharing system. Depending on the package, they could save between $2 and $5 per month compared with buying the service individually.

This isn’t the first time such a thing has been rumored. Right from the start of Apple’s shift toward services, pundits were crying out for an Amazon Prime-style bundle from Apple. “We think Apple should launch a subscription bundle as a way to reinforce iPhone loyalty and leverage it into content,” observed Goldman Sachs analysts in October 2018.

References found in the iOS 13.5.5 beta code mention a “bundle offer” and “bundle subscription” that hints at a bundling of services.

What would an Apple One bundle include?

If the services do launch as per Bloomberg, it will be interesting to see whether Apple Music is indeed part of the offering. A previous article in the Financial Times suggested that Apple has signed multi-year licensing agreements with Universal Music, Sony Music and Warner Music for Apple Music. These publishers are reportedly not happy about a possible package deal. That’s because it could reduce the amount of money that is paid to music creators.

Apple has yet to give any indication of how its individual services are doing. A recent report suggested they are not raking in significant revenue for Apple. The least successful is said to be Apple News+, which bundles magazines and news outlets for a monthly subscription fee.

How much would you be willing to pay for an Apple One services bundle and what should it include? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Source: Bloomberg

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