Apple today announced a multi-year content partnership with Oprah Winfrey to create original programs.

Winfrey's projects will be released as part of a lineup of original content from Apple.

Apple gave no details of the type of programing that Winfrey would create, the value of the deal, or when it might be released. The company also did not disclose how it plans to distribute its programing, to which it has committed an initial $1 billion.

The partnership is the biggest original content deal struck by Apple so far as it aims to compete with Netflix, Amazon.com and HBO.

Netflix, in May struck a multi-year deal with former U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle to produce films, documentaries and other content.

Netflix has also lured prolific television producers Ryan Murphy and Shonda Rhimes away from broadcast television.

Amazon said in November it had bought the global television rights to "The Lord of the Rings" and would produce a multi-season series that explores new storylines preceding author J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Fellowship of the Ring." Earlier this week, Amazon also announced a development deal with actress Nicole Kidman's production company for movies and television.

Apple in November ordered two seasons of a dramatic series with Hollywood stars Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, looking at the lives of people working on a morning television show.