Apple's Video Service To Include CBS, Viacom and Starz Content
Apple's higly rumored video and news subscription offerings are coming next month, featuring TV services from CBS Corp, Viacom Inc and Lions Gate Entertainment Corp's Starz among others.
The Cupertino, California-based technology giant is planning a March 25 event to announce both services.
The video service is expected to be similar to Amazon.com’s Prime Video and Netflix Inc. products, and will include TV shows and movies either acquired or funded by Apple. The company has created dozens of original programs so far, but hasn’t wrapped them in a subscription yet. The paid service will launch by the summer.
The content is likely to be integrated into Apple’s TV app on iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs.
Apple is also in discussions with HBO to become part of the service.
The company’s premium news service will be integrated into the Apple News app, letting consumers subscribe to a bundle of titles for a monthly fee. The magazine subscription service will launch as part of an iOS 12.2 update scheduled for release this spring.
With iPhone sales slowing, Apple is turning to digital services to keep revenue growing. Apple Music is already a hit with more than 50 million subscribers.
Apple has spended $2 billion in Hollywood to produce its own content and signing major stars such as Oprah Winfrey.