Oliver Haslam·

Apple’s Much Awaited TV Streaming Service To Be Free On iOS And Apple TV Devices

Apple continues to work towards getting its original content ducks in a row ahead of a launch at an unknown point in the future, and while we don’t know any concrete details other than those relating to talent that has been signed up, we do now have a possible insight into how Apple intends to get its content into the hands of users.

According to a new report by CNBC, Apple intends to give some of its original content away to owners of its hardware, including iOS devices and the Apple TV.

CNBC cites the infamous “sources familiar with the matter” when saying Apple’s streaming TV service will be a combination of both original content and “subscription services from legacy media companies.” This will mean that Apple will give content away free via the TV app while also allowing users to subscribe to traditional subscription-based content makers from within the app at existing prices.

Apple is preparing a new digital video service that will marry original content and subscription services from legacy media companies, according to people familiar with the matter. Owners of Apple devices, such as the iPhone, iPad and Apple TV will find the still-in-the-works service in the pre-installed “TV” application, said the people, who asked not to be named because the details of the project are private.

The suggestion that Apple will offer subscriptions via its TV app is not a new one and it makes perfect sense. Apple has been trying to bring traditional TV channels on board for years, and while an overarching model has not been possible, simply allowing users to subscribe to content via the TV app as and when they want it is the next best thing.

As for what content Apple will offer for free, it’s suggested that Apple could offer its PG-rated content for free as a taster, hoping to pull people into a Netflix-style content subscription at a later date.

Apple is spending about $1 billion on original content this year, targeting “PG-rated” shows that appeal to wide audiences and won’t get the company in trouble by making them available for free to owners of all devices, said the people. Apple is also looking for “tent pole” franchises that could serve as linchpins to a paid Netflix-like subscription service down the road, two of the people said.

Apple is also believed to have early 2019 as a date for a newly refreshed TV app to be released, although that doesn’t necessarily mean that we will start to see new content at that time.

(Source: CNBC)

You may also like to check out:

You can follow us on Twitter, add us to your circle on Google+ or like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple, and the Web.