Apple’s Netflix Competitor Might Be Unveiled In March, Or April

Bloomberg reported that this March 25^th event of Apple will see the announcement of the company on its anticipated video subscription service.

On February 13^th, a report from BuzzFeed News claimed that Apple was planning to introduce its news subscription service at this very same event. But with the rumor on a new video subscription service, it seems like Apple has more new things coming up.

Several Hollywood stars which include JJ Abrams, Jennifer Garner, Reese Witherspoon, and Jennifer Aniston has reportedly been invited to attend this event. This new premium video subscription service will host Apple’s original movies and TV show to compete with Amazon and Netflix and further increase revenue for its services division.

Bloomberg says that the video service is supposed to launch this summer, but the exact date is still unknown. In a few more weeks, we can get a sneak peek of this new product from Apple, although Reuters reported that this event may happen in April instead of March. This event would not include products like the new iPad mini.

With this video service from Apple, customers can subscribe to add channels such as Starz and other ones. Amazon has already done something similar with its Amazon Prime Video Channels. Roku has begun marketing video subscriptions via Roku Channel. It’s unlikely for Apple’s subscription video service will include networks like HBO, Hulu, and Netflix because of unfair revenue sharing.

The same issue happens for Apple’s news subscription as publishers refuse to take part in the project.

Reuters reports that HBO actually is still discussing with Apple.

The subscription video service will be accessed via the TV app that comes preinstalled on Apple’s devices like Apple TV, iPod Touch, iPad, and iPhone. To maximize viewership, it is likely for the company to soon offer the service for third-party devices. Earlier this year, Apple and Samsung already made an announcement on the TV Shows app and iTunes Movies for upcoming Samsung TVs.