- Apple is holding an event at Steve Jobs Theater on March 25 where it's expected to introduce new services focusing on video streaming and news subscriptions.
- Growing its services business is critical for Apple as iPhone sales have been slowing.
- Though Apple is likely to announce its video service this month, the service is not expected to launch until the spring.
Apple made headlines recently when it sent out media invites to a March 25 event where it's widely expected to unveil its long-rumored video service and a news-subscription platform.
An expansion of digital services is critical as Apple looks to boost revenue in other business areas to counteract slowing iPhone sales. The company said in its earnings report from January that iPhone sales had plummeted by 15% during the holiday quarter, and only about 16% of iPhones in use are expected to be upgraded to new models this year, according to a note from the Bernstein analyst Toni Sacconaghi published last month.
So as we gear up for Apple's next big event, here's a look at everything we're expecting the company to announce.
The unveil of Apple's long-rumored video-streaming service.
The new streaming-video service Apple will reportedly announce is expected to steal the show on March 25. The event invite even teases this with a tagline saying "It's show time."
The service is expected to provide access to shows operated by Apple and programs from other popular media companies. Apple is in talks with CBS, Showtime, HBO, and Starz, among others, but Netflix has confirmed that it will not participate. Hulu hasn't signed on for Apple's service either, according to Bloomberg. Early reports indicated it could be similar to Netflix or Amazon Prime's video service in the way that it operates, and would eliminate the need to download separate apps for each network.
The new video platform would be integrated into iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs, the report says, and is likely to include mostly partner content at launch, since Apple's programs are still under development. Apple is aiming to launch the service in April or early May, CNBC reported, but Variety says it could come closer to summer or fall.
A new storefront for TV subscriptions.
A more recent report, however, indicates that Apple's long-rumored video push won't be much like Netflix at all. Apple's initial strategy will center on offering channel subscriptions through a new TV-centric storefront, according to Recode. As it does with the App Store, Apple will take a cut of subscriptions purchased through its new platform. This digital store is said to be at the core of Apple's new video strategy, while its own original shows can be likened to "very expensive giveaways," says Recode.
Bundle options for TV channels and Apple services.
Apple could offer multiple channels bundled together for a single price through this new storefront, according to The Information and Recode. The company might, for example, offer a package that includes HBO, Showtime, and Starz together, and will offer 15 individual channels.
Additionally, Apple is expected to offer a bundle that could wrap its TV and music services along with a new digital news service into one offering, according to The Information.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider