Apple TV streaming service – release date, leaks and rumours for new Netflix rival
Netflix is about to get some stiff competition
APPLE is pouring billions into making original telly – and is expected to launch a TV streaming service of its own very soon.
We've tracked down all the latest news and rumours about this Netflix rival – including predictions from a top industry expert.
Apple TV service – what is it?
Apple has already admitted that it's heavily investing in creating original content.
The firm has already signed deals with top talent like Oprah Winfrey (on a multi-year contract), Reese Witherspoon, Chris Evans, Steve Carrell, Jennifer Garner and M. Night Shyamalan.
And there have been extensive rumours that Apple plans to ship all of this content inside a new TV streaming app.
The problem is that no one knows exactly what to expect from the Apple service.
Speaking to The Sun, expert analyst Dan Ives, of Wedbush Securities, said that Apple is currently working on "adding content partners".
He told us that he expects Apple to take a 25% to 35% cut of the monthly subscription fee – with the rest presumably going towards partners.
And he added that this video streaming app "will be a linchpin in further expanding its services wings into areas such as video content and potentially gaming over the next decade".
Apple TV service release date – when does it launch?
Apple has already scheduled a major launch event for March 25, taking place at its Apple Park HQ in California.
Ives – and other industry watchers – expect this event to host the announcement of the Apple TV service.
However, Ives told The Sun that the service will "likely officially launch in the [autumn]", giving Apple more time to secure original content.
The upcoming March event is expected to be "star-studded", and will reportedly be attended by celebs – likely stars of Apple's original content.
However, Apple is keeping tight-lipped about exactly what we can expect from the event.
Apple TV service price – how much will it cost?
Apple is spending billions of dollars on original content, which is no small sum – even for the cash-flush iPhone maker.
It's very likely that users will be expected to pay a subscription fee, which would probably be in line with rival services.
Last year, industry expert Dan Ives told The Sun that Apple's streaming service would be "price competitive, or cheaper than Netflix's monthly service".
In the UK, the standard HD membership now costs £7.99 per month.
So it's possible an Apple streaming service could be priced lower, at £5.99 or £6.99 per month, to undercut Netflix.
It's also rumoured that iPhone owners may be able to access the service for free.
Of course, Apple hasn't actually confirmed how much its streaming service will cost – or whether it even exists.
As always, take all rumours and leaks with due caution. We won't know the truth until March 25.
Apple has paid out £92billion to app makers as iPhone "virtual spending" skyrockets.
The tech giant might be working on a brand new 2019 MacBook Pro with a 16-inch screen.
And it's also possible that Apple may soon unveil the long-rumoured iPad mini 5.
Would you sign up to an Apple TV service? Let us know in the comments!
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