Apple TV+ is the tech giant’s video-streaming service that offers Apple Originals — content created exclusively for the platform. The service launched on November 1, 2019 and currently has over 150 titles available to watch in 4K HDR quality.
Apple TV+ is similar to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. All of them offer original content, as well as a library of movies and TV shows from third-party providers. However, there are several distinct differences between them which set Apple’s subscription apart from the rest.
In addition to its 4K HDR quality content, Apple TV+ also offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers which makes it possible for viewers to explore the service with no commitment necessary. It also offers a yearly subscription at an attractive rate compared to other services with monthly fees. Furthermore, it is available across all Apple devices so viewers can watch on their favorite gadgets whether they have iPhones, iPads or Macs.
Overview of Apple’s TV+
Apple launched its streaming service, TV+, in November 2019 and since then, the company has been trying to find the foothold in the streaming market. As of July 2020, Apple claimed it had less than 20 million active subscribers.
Despite this, Apple has secured deals with prominent Hollywood stars and showbiz unions.
In this article, we will look at how Apple’s TV+ compares to other streaming services.
Apple TV+ is a streaming option ideal for those looking for quality viewing experiences that offer binge-worthy original programming, such as documentaries, dramas, and comedies.
What is Apple TV+?
Apple TV+ is a streaming service introduced by Apple Inc. in November 2019, as part of their wider Apple ecosystem. It offers an expansive range of original content, exclusive access to other services, and the ability to customize your entertainment with family sharing and personalized recommendations.
So what makes Apple TV+ different? For starters, they have an extensive library of television show and movie content that is both exclusive and from other platforms, making it one of the largest libraries out there. It also offers access to popular streaming services like Hulu, NBA League Pass and more via various bundled subscriptions packages. Finally, its unique gaming and family sharing features allow up to six family members to share one account simultaneously with personalized settings for each family member and access to special parental controls.
Overall, Apple TV+ provides a comprehensive selection of shows and exclusive content that puts it on par with many major streaming services such as Netflix and Disney Plus. With its expanding selection of original programming, intuitive user interface and easy access to other popular apps – it is worth considering as your go‑to streaming source!
Apple TV+ Subscription Plans
Apple TV+ provides subscription plans for watching its original content. The streaming service has a monthly subscription plan for $4.99 per month, as well as a one-year commitment option for $49.99 for the entire year. There are also family membership plans that allow you to access the streaming service on up to six devices within the same account at no extra cost.
In addition, any Apple device purchased since September 10th 2019 or later receives one year of free Apple TV+ subscription when they sign up with their Apple ID and validate their purchase with proof of purchase. This is a great way to get started with Apple TV Plus but it is important to remember that after the complimentary year ends, you will need to start paying unless you cancel your subscription before then.
For people who already pay for an Apple Music Student Plan, an Apple One Bundle or an Apple Arcade plan will also receive one year of complimentary Apple TV+, extending their current subscriptions by a full 12 months at no extra cost – be sure to check the details carefully before choosing which package is right for you!
Content and Features
Apple TV+ provides an ever-expanding selection of high-quality original entertainment from renowned talent. The service includes films and series from some of the biggest names in Hollywood and feature exclusive originals like The Morning Show, See and more—and with new titles added every month. Additionally, customers can add other video apps to Apple TV+ for complete access to their favorite programming.
In terms of features, Apple TV+ offers a simple, intuitive user experience designed with viewers in mind. With personalized recommendations based on your viewing history, you’ll always have something new to watch or be reminded of previous favorites. Skip ads with seamless playback and search your entire library instantly — all while streaming across multiple devices anywhere you go at no extra cost. Plus, with support for AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Alexa voice commands and more, controlling the content is easy and convenient.
Comparison With Other Streaming Services
Apple’s TV+ is the newest kid on the block regarding streaming services. Although it has had good reviews, Apple claimed it had less than 20 million subscribers in July, significantly less than other established streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Disney+.
In this article, we will examine how Apple’s TV+ compares to these other streaming services.
Netflix
Netflix is the world’s largest streaming service, with over 203 million subscribers around the globe. Netflix offers an extensive library of films, including original films and some of the biggest blockbuster movies. It also produces some of the most popular television shows in the world.
When it comes to pricing, Netflix offers three main plans. The Basic subscription plan costs $8.99/month and offers access to standard definition content on one device at a time; its Standard plan ($13.99/month) allows access to HD quality content on two devices at a time; and its Premium plan ($17.99/month) supports Ultra HD content on up to four devices simultaneously.
Netflix provides ad-free streaming which makes for a pleasant viewing experience, but does not provide access to live television or sports broadcasts like Apple TV+.
Hulu
Hulu is one of the most popular streamings services in the United States. It boasts a huge library of current and classic TV series, award-winning films, documentaries and exclusive offerings.
Hulu Basic starts at $5.99 monthly, allowing viewers to watch on two screens simultaneously and access thousands of hours of content in ad-supported format. Their advanced plan, Hulu + Live TV, allows users to add up to 50 hours of cloud DVR storage, watch live TV with over 65 channels (including ABC, NBC, FOX), and access more classic shows like The Office and Grey’s Anatomy. Hulu has a delivery commitment on all its videos; if a show or movie isn’t working as expected, they offer their customers unlimited streaming at no additional cost until it is fixed.
With HBO available as an add-on feature to all subscription levels – making full HBO experiences accessible for $14.99 a month – Hulu offers its users access to some of the best cinema available across platforms. However, it lacks sports programming which makes it an unsuitable option for those looking for live sports experiences or live events coverage. In addition to content from traditional broadcast networks such as ABC and NBC, Hulu also offers programing from FX Networks such as Atlanta & Fargo.
Disney+
Disney+ is the latest streaming service to join the ever-growing list of on-demand movie and TV providers. It offers access to Disney’s massive library of both classic and new films and shows, most with exclusive content.
Disney+ is a major competitor for Apple TV+, with all the big names in their catalog. Disney, of course, includes films from Marvel Studios such as Avengers: Endgame, Black Panther, The Lion King and more; as well as films from Pixar like Toy Story and Monsters Inc; Star Wars series such as The Mandalorian, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and more; exclusive programming from National Geographic; classic films from Walt Disney Animation Studios like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella and Bambi.
Disney+ also has originals like High School Musical the Musical: The Series, to focus on upcoming teen entertainment. At the same time, older fans may enjoy their numerous original films such as Timmy Failure and Dorothy & The Wizard of Oz. An extensive library of foreign fare—German sci-fi show Dark or drama series Lupin—is also available on the service along with true crime docuseries like Fascinating Saudi Arabia or uncovering mysterious murders in Hawaii Five-0 Season 10.
Apple TV+ also provides access to a massive library of movies—including Oscar winners like Parasite—and new originals including Mythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet for comedy lovers, Little America for drama fans or See for science fiction enthusiasts. Like Disney+, Apple offers foreign language options like Emirati mystery crime series In the UAE We Trust exclusively available on the platform alongside other notable titles like dramas Adjustment Bureau starring Emily Blunt or Diane Keaton’s Wonderful World starring Steve Martin.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video lets you watch popular movies and TV shows, including original programming such as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Jack Ryan. You can also rent or purchase titles not included in the streaming library.
Prime Video lets you stream on two devices simultaneously with one account and offers plenty of parental settings for family-friendly viewing options. It also features 4K video options and features like X-Ray, which gives you an inside look into movies and TV shows while you watch them.
Amazon also offers add-on subscriptions to premium networks like HBO, Showtime, Starz, CBS All Access, Cinemax and more — so if that’s your preference for premium content — Amazon Prime Video is the way to go. And for international viewers, it includes subtitles and dubbed titles in Spanish, French and Japanese.
Prime members also get exclusive access to select sales events each year on Amazon which lets them save money on items they shop for most often (termed “Prime Day”).
In addition, any Apple device purchased since September 10th 2019 or later receives one year of free Apple TV+ subscription when they sign up with their Apple ID and validate their purchase with proof of purchase.
Apple’s TV+ Subscriber Numbers
Recently, Apple claimed that it had less than 20 million active subscribers for its streaming service, TV+. This subscription figure had been predicted to reach around 33 million by the year 2021 according to some reports.
This much lower than predicted figure has brought up questions on the success of the Apple TV+ service and how it compares to other streaming services on the market.
Apple’s Claimed Subscriber Numbers
Apple has made bold claims regarding the success of its streaming service Apple TV+. According to its executives, as of April 2020, Apple claimed to have nearly 33 million subscribers worldwide. Of those 33 million, an overwhelming 93 percent were current iPhone, iPad and Mac users.
To better understand how those numbers compare to other streaming services, it is necessary to compare apples-to-apples regarding the types of subscriptions each service offers. For instance, while Netflix reports over 182 million subscribers worldwide – by far the most of any streaming platform – 18 percent (totaling 33 million) of its reported global subscriber base are considered “non-paying members” who watch content on their Free Trial period. This means that when compared on terms more level with one another – paid subscribers only – Apple’s TV+ subscriber numbers rival some of the biggest names in streaming such as Amazon Prime Video and Hulu who both boast 36 million paying subscribers according to a February 2020 report from eMarketer.
It is also worth noting that unlike other major streaming services, Apple does not break out individual country performance metrics for its subscription-based services including Apple TV+.
Showbiz Union’s Claimed Subscriber Numbers
In July 2020, the Writers Guild of America and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) prepared a report claiming that Apple’s streaming service, Apple TV+, has only 10 million subscribers. This was an estimate, as precise subscriber numbers have not been publicly released by Apple.
This number is significantly lower than other streaming services such as Disney+ and Netflix, who have been in the industry for much longer. Disney+ has accrued an estimated 60 million subscribers since November 2019 whereas Netflix boasts an impressive over 167 million total subscribers worldwide.
Their estimate of Apple’s subscription rate falls far behind its competitors Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and HBO MAX which are reported to have around 150 million, 28 million and 8-12 million respectively. It appears that once again Apple faces stiff competition against established competitors within their industry, including new rival HBO MAX.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Apple TV+ is a streaming option ideal for those looking for quality viewing experiences that offer binge-worthy original programming, such as documentaries, dramas, and comedies. The service can be accessed through the app store on Apple devices such as the iPhone and iPad and is a rate-competitive option starting at only $4.99/mo. However, it comes without live news or sports channels which some competitors offer. Apple TV+ also has far fewer titles when compared to giants like Netflix and Hulu in terms of overall content variety.
Despite this drawback, many people may find that Apple TV+ delivers plenty of content in its genre library to satisfy their entertainment needs and make for excellent value for money. It also carries an impressive lineup of exclusive titles from experienced filmmakers such as Steven Spielberg, Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon that you won’t find on other services—making it an attractive option for avid movie fans.
Whether you need one streaming subscription or several to stay up-to-date with your favorite movies and programs, Apple TV+ is worth considering if you use your Apple devices often enough to make it a worthwhile investment.
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