New details have emerged regarding Apple’s rumoured TV subscription service. According to The Information, Apple plans to debut the TV service globally, in over 100 countries:
Apple is planning to launch its upcoming TV subscription service in more than 100 countries, three people familiar with the company’s plans told The Information.
Unnamed sources also told the publication the new TV service is pegged to debut in the United States in the first half of 2019, with a global launch expected for the following months. The service will include Apple original programming for free to Apple customers, while also let users sign up for TV subscription services from other networks, similar to the Amazon Channels feature available to Amazon Prime customers in the U.S., UK, Germany and Japan.
Amazon Prime Video is already available in 200 countries, while Netflix is in over 190 countries. Apple is at a disadvantage compared to its streaming service rivals as a standalone streaming service, but analysts believe the company goal of making TV viewing easier for customers makes more sense.
Also, sources note Apple is in talks with programming services about what it will cost to have their content and movies on the Apple TV service. However, regional content rights restrictions may limit the availability in each country.
News of Apple’s TV subscription service debuting globally is good news for Canadians, as that means we will most likely be part of the international launch, considering Netflix and Prime Video are already available in Canada.
