Apple today finally announced its streaming subscription product, Apple TV+.
The service, delivered via the Apple TV product, will show Apple original TV shows and movies. It's not yet able to deliver, as Netflix does, a mix of content from other providers.
Apple says the original video subscription service will feature a new slate of programming from major film and television celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, J.J. Abrams, M. Night Shyamalan, Jon M. Chu and more.
Steven Spielberg, who will ressurect Amazing Stories for Apple, was at the Apple TV+ annoucnement in Cuppertino, Californa, Apple's headquarters.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of internet software and services, says: “We’re thrilled to give viewers a sneak peek of Apple TV+ and cannot wait for them to tune in starting this spring. Apple TV+ will be home to some of the highest quality original storytelling that TV and movie lovers have seen yet.”
In May Appple will also launch an all-new Apple TV app across iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, smart TVs and streaming devices.
Pricing and availability for the Apple TV+ video subscription service will be announced later.
In the US, users can subscribe to and watch new Apple TV channels - paying for only services they want, such HBO, Showtime and Starz - all on demand.
However, in Australia Showtime and Starz currently have deals with Nine-owned SVOD service Stan, while HBO is tied up in a long-standing deal with pay-TV provider Foxtel. However, both Foxtel and Stan are both available to stream via Apple TV.
Questions have been raised over the longevity of these deals in recent months, as more streaming services look set to hit Australia.
Last year CBS, which owns Showtime, launched 10 All Access locally giving way to rumours that the business would pull its deal with Stan.
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