Apple won’t officially unveil its streaming video service until next week but Netflix CEO Reed Hastings confirmed that his company will not be part of it.
The new video streaming service will offer subscriptions to other streaming services along with original TV shows from Apple. Everything will be combined into one “easy-to-use” app. However, Netflix doesn’t really see teaming up with Apple for subscribers as an advantage.
Five of Apple’s original TV shows have now finished filming, according to a new report. They have entered post-production ahead of the company’s March 25 event, but they’re not expected to be available until the fall.
Apple is said to be working on around six other shows that are still in production. The company is also developing lots more original content that is planned to debut in 2020.
Apple may have found its own answer to Netflix’s popular TV show, The Crown
The iPhone-maker has reportedly ordered an eight-episode series based on the New York Times bestselling novel Pachinko. After beating out multiple other bidders for the project Apple is allegedly throwing more money behind the Pachinko than most of its other series as it aims to make a splash at the Emmys in 2020.
Spotify has filed a legal complaint against Apple for what it believes is anti-competitive behavior.
The music streaming service, like many others, has an issue with the 30 percent cut Apple charges on App Store revenue. Spotify says Apple makes it very difficult to avoid the fee, which makes some services more expensive.
Apple will hold its next special event on Monday, March 25, in the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino.
The “It’s show time” event is expected to bring a number of new services, including new TV content and a paid Apple News service. Fans have been eagerly anticipating confirmation of Apple’s next keynote, with rumors surrounding new subscription services circulating. The tagline for this one suggests it will focus on Apple’s upcoming video service, with hardware taking a backseat.
Apple’s “intrusive” executives, including CEO Tim Cook, have been criticized by Hollywood for becoming too involved in ongoing TV projects.
Agents and producers have complained about how “difficult” Apple is to work with, according to a new report. The company’s “nitpicking” has led to delays that mean only a handful of shows will be available when its new streaming service launches.
Hulu has slashed the price of its ad-supported plan, making the service more accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
It’s not all good news, however: Hulu’s Live TV plan, which offers access to more than 60 top channels live and on-demand, is now more expensive. The ad-free Hulu and Hulu + Spotify plans have not been changed.
Apple can try to compete with Netflix for video streaming subscribers, but Barry Diller says Apple and others are “fools” to chase Netflix.
Diller, a studio executive turned tech entrepreneur, does not see any company gaining the number of subscribers as Netflix, which began building a base by sending DVDs of choice movies by mail.
Jefferies analyst Tim O’Shea foresees big challenges ahead for Apple’s planned video subscription service.
In a note to clients, O’Shea suggests that Apple will struggle to get studios and networks on board for its plans. He also thinks Apple’s original content may run into problems compared to Netflix’s most established offerings.
The long wait for Apple’s TV streaming service might finally be coming to an end.
With a rumored March 25 event on the horizon, Apple is reportedly planning to launch its TV streaming service in April or early May, but some of the biggest names in the streaming won’t be part of the platform.
