Apple’s long-awaited streaming video service went live early on Friday morning. Apple TV+ is a $4.99-per-month service featuring original TV shows and movies bankrolled by Apple. According to the company, the service initially launched in over 100 countries and regions.
Apple TV+ can be accessed through the pre-installed TV app on Apple’s devices, including iPhone and iPad, as well as through apps for various smart TVs and set-top boxes made by companies like Roku, Samsung and Amazon. Apple is also streaming its shows on its website for people using Safari, Firefox or Google Chrome browsers.
The service’s original line-up of content includes fewer than 10 programs coming Friday and a total of 15 in the initial slate. Shows available on the service now include “The Morning Show,” “See,” “Dickinson” and “For All Mankind”. It also includes a few shows for kids like “Helpsters,” “Ghostwriter” and “Snoopy in Space.” Oprah Winfrey is also hosting a talk show called “Oprah’s Book Club”.
The company anticipated that additional movies, documentaries and shows will be added later. In fact, Apple has said it plans to add new titles on a monthly basis. Unlike Netflix, Apple won’t release full seasons of its shows all at once. But there are exceptions. “See,” for example, launched today with the first three episodes available right away.
Apple TV+ will be free for a year with the purchase of an iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Apple TV streaming box or Mac computer. Those gadgets have to be purchased after Sept. 10, 2019, and if users cancel, they lose access to the service, according to the terms and conditions.
Apple’s new OTT service is entering a crowded market. Disney’s Disney+ service launches later this month, offering content from brand-name franchises like Marvel and “Star Wars” for $6.99 per month. Meanwhile, NBCUniversal and AT&T’s WarnerMedia are planning to launch services early next year. Netflix, the leader of the streaming arena, currently has over 151 million subscribers.
Related News
