Apple, a company synonymous with sleek design and user-friendly tech, dove headfirst into the streaming wars with Apple TV+. Launched in November 2019, the platform distinguished itself not through a vast library of licensed content, but by focusing on original programming featuring Hollywood A-listers and acclaimed directors. Let’s take a look at its journey from a fledgling service to a serious contender in the streaming landscape.  

Early Days and Growing Pains:

Apple TV+ entered a crowded market dominated by Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Its initial offering was slim, with only a handful of original series like “The Morning Show,” “See,” and “Dickinson.” While these shows boasted high production values and star-studded casts (Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Jason Momoa, Hailee Steinfeld), the lack of a back catalog made it a tough sell for many consumers.

To entice subscribers, Apple offered generous free trials and bundled Apple TV+ with other Apple services. This strategy helped gain initial traction, but the platform faced criticism for its slow content rollout and lack of diversity in its programming.  

Finding its Stride with Award-Winning Content:

The tide began to turn as Apple TV+ focused on quality over quantity. Shows like “Ted Lasso,” a heartwarming comedy about an American football coach hired to coach a British soccer team, became a critical and commercial darling, sweeping awards season and capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide.  

This success was followed by other critically acclaimed series like:

“Severance”: A mind-bending workplace thriller exploring work-life balance taken to the extreme.  
“Ted Lasso”: The heartwarming comedy about an American football coach hired to coach a British soccer team.  
“The Afterparty”: A clever murder mystery comedy with each episode told from a different character’s perspective.  
“Pachinko”: A sweeping epic spanning generations and continents, following a Korean immigrant family.
“Black Bird”: A gripping true crime drama starring Taron Egerton.  
“Defending Jacob”: A tense legal thriller starring Chris Evans.  
These shows, along with films like “CODA” (which won the Academy Award for Best Picture), established Apple TV+ as a home for prestige television and film.  

Expanding Horizons:

Apple TV+ has continued to diversify its content, venturing into genres like:

  • Documentaries: “Boys State,” “The Velvet Underground”  
  • Children’s programming: “Snoopy in Space,” “Ghostwriter”  
  • Live sports: “Friday Night Baseball” (MLB)  

This expansion has broadened the platform’s appeal and attracted a wider audience.

The Future of Apple TV+:

Apple TV+ is still a relatively young service, but it has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the streaming world. By focusing on quality original programming and leveraging its strong brand reputation, Apple has carved out a niche for itself.

Key takeaways from Apple TV+’s journey:

Quality over quantity: A curated library of high-quality originals can be a winning strategy.
Star power attracts attention: A-list talent can draw viewers to a new platform.
Critical acclaim builds credibility: Award-winning shows and films enhance a platform’s prestige.
Diversification is key: Expanding into different genres and formats attracts a wider audience.

As the streaming wars rage on, Apple TV+ is well-positioned for continued growth and success. With its commitment to quality and innovation, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for this ambitious streaming service.

Apple TV+ Subscription Plans

Apple TV+ keeps its subscription plans pretty straightforward. Here’s the breakdown:

Apple TV+:

Price: $6.99/month or $69/year
Free Trial: 7 days
What you get: Access to all Apple Original series and films, ad-free, in 4K HDR with Dolby Atmos sound. You can also download content for offline viewing.

Apple One:

This is where things get interesting if you use other Apple services. Apple One bundles Apple TV+ with other popular subscriptions like Apple Music, Apple Arcade, iCloud+, and Apple Fitness+.

Individual: $16.95/month – Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and 50GB iCloud+
Family: $22.95/month – All of the above, with 200GB iCloud+ and can be shared with up to five family members.
Premier: $32.95/month – Includes everything in Family, plus Apple News+ and Apple Fitness+ (also for up to five family members)

Other ways to get Apple TV+:

Apple Device Purchase: Buy a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Mac, and often you’ll get 3 months of Apple TV+ for free.
Apple Music Student Plan: This plan includes Apple TV+ at no extra cost.

Things to keep in mind:

Sharing: You can share your Apple TV+ subscription (or your Apple One subscription) with up to five family members.
No Ads: Apple TV+ is completely ad-free.
MLS Season Pass: If you’re a Major League Soccer fan, there’s a separate MLS Season Pass available as an add-on subscription.

Subscribers and Coverage

While Apple keeps its subscriber numbers close to the vest, it’s estimated that Apple TV+ has roughly 40 million subscribers as of late 2024. This includes both paid subscribers and those accessing the service through free trials and promotions.

It’s important to note that this number is significantly lower than streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. However, Apple TV+ is still a relatively new service, and its subscriber base is steadily growing.

Coverage:

Apple TV+ is a global service, available in over 100 countries and regions around the world. This broad reach is a testament to Apple’s global brand recognition and the appeal of its original programming.

Here’s a breakdown of Apple TV+’s coverage:

North America: United States, Canada, Mexico
South America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and most other countries
Europe: United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and most other countries
Asia: Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and many other countries
Africa: South Africa, Nigeria, and select other countries

Factors contributing to Apple TV+’s growth:

High-quality original content: Shows like “Ted Lasso,” “Severance,” and “The Morning Show” have garnered critical acclaim and attracted a loyal following.
Star-studded casts: Apple has invested heavily in attracting top talent, including Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Jason Momoa, and Chris Evans.
Strategic partnerships: Collaborations with studios like A24 and Imagine Entertainment have resulted in diverse and compelling content.
Aggressive marketing: Apple has promoted Apple TV+ heavily through its various channels, including its website, retail stores, and devices.
Bundling with other Apple services: Apple One bundles have made Apple TV+ more accessible and appealing to Apple users.

Despite its relatively small subscriber base compared to its competitors, Apple TV+ has made a significant impact in the streaming landscape. Its focus on quality over quantity, coupled with its global reach and strong brand reputation, positions it for continued growth in the years to come.