The streaming wars [1] are about to have a new combatant: Apple is launching its own streaming service, Apple TV+. Like so many developments at the tech giant, some of the precise details about Apple TV+ are still under wraps, but the company has already generated huge buzz with announcements of the big-name projects that will be on their way. Here's everything we know so far about how Apple TV+ will work and what original content you can expect to find there.
What Is Apple TV+?
In short, Apple TV+ is a streaming service similar to Netflix, Hulu, and so on. According to CNET, the service will be completely ad-free and will include content available in over 100 countries around the world. It connects to the Apple TV app, which means it will sit as a "channel" alongside other subscription-based platforms that are available on Apple TVs, such as NOW TV and Netflix.
Apple TV+ will also be part of the "family sharing" concept, which allows multiple users to share a "family plan" and log in from different devices. One question that's still unclear: whether or not Apple TV+ will follow in the footsteps of Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon by including a library of licensed shows and movies, or will only air its own original content. So far, the only programming that's been announced is a slow but steady stream of Apple originals, but that could, of course, change at any time.
How Do You Get Apple TV+?
The specific details of the service were finally announced at Apple's big September event. Apple TV+ will launch on November 1 [2] with a price of £4.99 per month, which fulfils the previous predictions that they'll try to undercut Netflix's prices by at least a pound. At this price point, Apple TV+ will be the cheapest streaming platform currently out there, at least for the moment. Comparatively, Amazon Prime costs £7.99 (although this does also include shipping benefits), NOW TV's current entertainment pass costs £7.99, and Disney Plus will cost $6.99 (£5.55) in the US although there is no word yet on how much it will cost in the UK when it launches in 2020.
There are a few special deals as well that come along with the purchase of other Apple products. If you buy a new iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV, you'll get a whole year of Apple TV+ for free; you'll have three months from the date of purchase (or three months from Nov. 1 if you purchase your device before then) to activate the offer. Up to six "family members" can share a single Apple TV+ plan, with each user being able to log in and watch using their own unique Apple ID.
What Originals Will Be on Apple TV+?
This is the buzziest element to Apple's new streaming service: what original programming they plan to offer. CNET reports a lengthy list of original TV shows and movies [3] that are slated to debut on the platform. On the comedy side, Mythic Quest will be a half-hour sitcom from the creators of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, revolving around the video game industry. There's also Dickinson, a twisted comedy (yes, comedy) about the life of author Emily Dickinson starring Hailee Steinfeld and Jane Krakowski. Geek maestro J.J. Abrams is spearheading a musical dramedy called Little Voice with original music by Sara Bareilles, and Little America, from husband-and-wife duo Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, will be a funny and serious anthology series based on the real lives of immigrants.
On the drama side of things, the big headliner is The Morning Show, a behind-the-scenes drama [4] about a morning news show starring Reese Witherspoon [5], Steve Carell [6], and Jennifer Aniston [7]. See, a sci-fi drama set in a future where all humans are born blind, will star Aquaman's Jason Momoa [8] alongside Alfre Woodard. Chris Evans is attached to produce and star in Defending Jacob, a crime thriller following a man whose teenage son has been accused of murder. And for literature fans, the popular novel [9] Pachinko is headed to the small screen in an upcoming adaptation.
There's also the documentary and non-fiction side of things. Leading the way there is Oprah herself, who has two projects in development: one called Toxic Labor, and another, longer series focused on mental health, which she has partnered with Prince Harry [10] to create. Additionally, Digital Trends notes that Apple plans to develop six feature films per year [11], with the intention of competing for major film awards. Along with all this, a huge number of big names in Hollywood are attached to develop new shows and/or movies, so Apple TV+ will have a healthy slate of original content for years to come.