Apple is expected to introduce its new TV streaming service during a press event on March 25 at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California. Apple’s service — which will feature free original content for device owners, and a subscription platform for existing digital services — is set to launch in April or early May. Customers will be able to watch content from a variety of sources, all within the iOS TV application.
Last month, it was reported that Netflix and Hulu won’t be a part of the service. However, STARZ, CBS (which owns SHOWTIME) and Viacom are expected to offer streaming services on the platform. HBO may also join the service, but is still in discussions with Apple.
“We see huge changes in customer behavior taking place now, and we think that it will accelerate as the year goes by with the breakdown of the cable bundle. I think that it’ll likely take place at a much faster pace this year,” said CEO Tim Cook on an earnings conference call in January. “We will participate in the original content world. We have signed a multi-year partnership with Oprah, but, today, I’m not really ready to extend that conversation beyond that point. We’ve hired some great people that we have a super amount of confidence in, and we’ll have something to say more on that later.”
In addition, the company is reportedly looking to create a subscription service for news, where users could read an unlimited amount of content from participating publishers for a monthly fee. The service is expected to launch later this year as part of the Apple News app.
Apple might also unveil new hardware at the March event, with rumors circulating about an updated iPad mini and new AirPods headphones. The company might launch a new version of AirPower as well, a wireless charging pad that can charge an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods at the same time.
