- Apple plot redesign and integration
- Subscription price increases to $9.99 per month
- The company has been linked to efforts to acquire NBA rights.
Apple is reportedly planning a complete overhaul of its TV app, with the aim of becoming one of the leaders in the streaming aggregation space.
Apple TV serves as a common interface for the company’s own Apple TV+ streaming service, movies and TV shows purchased or rented through iTunes, and third-party Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) platforms such as the BBC and Netflix.
According to Bloomberg, the Cupertino-based company will shut down the separate video marketplace on Apple TV devices and certain video sections of the iTunes app on iPhone and iPad. That means all video content will be paid for and accessed through a single app.
Apple TV, which is also available on third-party platforms such as Android, major smart TV app platforms, and gaming consoles, will also receive a complete visual makeover. The most notable change is the implementation of the vertical navigation system that has become commonplace on most major streaming services, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
However, one change that has been confirmed is an increase in the price of Apple TV+. Subscription prices will go from $6.99 to $9.99 per month, with similar price increases expected in markets outside the US.
Sports professionals say…
Content discovery and fragmentation are two of the biggest challenges facing broadcasters and consumers in the digital world. Several device manufacturers and platform operators have attempted to solve these problems by acting as aggregators, but none have the large installed user base, brand loyalty, and design expertise that Apple has. Almost none.
The tech giant hopes that any changes will cement Apple TV as the single destination for video content on its own platform as well as beyond. More users means more subscriptions to Apple TV+ and the third-party services that use its interface.
This could be good news for Major League Soccer (MLS) season passes, amid rumors that Apple is involved in bidding for rights to multiple sports properties, including the National Basketball Association (NBA). It was announced.
The expanded reach alleviates concerns rights holders have about partnering with Apple TV, especially if the application can also aggregate content from third parties. For example, Apple TV can provide access to Major League Baseball (MLB) broadcasts alongside games on ESPN, Fox, Peacock, and team-owned DTC platforms.