The rumor-mill swirled for years that Apple was planning to launch its own streaming service to compete against the likes of Netflix, HBO, and Hulu. The Apple TV+ service finally launched in 2019 with a few notable titles on hand.
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How Did Apple TV+ Get Started?
Rumors of Apple TV entering the on-demand streaming market began in 2015. At the time, Apple began to approach different studios, seeking deals to license content as part of its planned streaming bundle.
However, these deals quickly fell apart, which some media observers blamed on Apple’s “arrogance”. Notably, many blame Apple’s lack of transparency attempts to throw its weight around to get sweetheart deals, and the abrasive efforts by the company’s negotiator, Eddy Cue.
With no licensing deals in place, Apple had to resort to developing its own content for its service.
The company officially announced the upcoming service at its March 25, 2019, Apple Special Event. Later, on September 10, 2019, the company finally released the full details about the service, including pricing and planned content.
Apple TV+ finally launched on November 1, 2019.
Where is Apple TV+ Available?
Because Apple TV+ launched with its own content, it’s available in far more locations than competitor Disney+. You can sign up for and stream Disney+ in over 100 countries worldwide, including the US, UK, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, and many other countries in South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Who is Apple TV+ For?
The service includes both kid-friendly content and mature, adult-oriented content. Apple plans to expand its content library across numerous different genres to ensure there’s a little something for every type of audience.
And while Apple TV+ is ostensibly for everyone, its device limitations show it’s not really for everyone. Apple has made it fairly clear that it wants to continue offering a preference for its own devices.
As such, you won’t find Apple TV+ apps for Android mobile phones or tablets. Apple did at least extend support beyond its Apple family of products. You can also stream on Roku, Samsung smart TVs, Vizio smart TVs, and Amazon Fire TV.
What Kind of Content is on Apple TV+?
Apple TV+ has only around a dozen different TV shows, movies, and documentaries currently available. That content exists across a few key genres, including science-fiction, drama, comedy, and kids/family content.
The company will likely expand to include a wider range of content in the future.
Related: Apple TV+ Content Library and List of Titles in 2021 – Complete Breakdown
Sam Cook is a full-time content strategist by day, a part-time freelance content writer since 2015. In another life, he was a high school English teacher for nearly a decade. Based in sunny New Orleans, he writes long-form educational content on technology, including Insurtech, Fintech, HRtech, and content streaming. He loves whittling down complex ideas within these areas that make decisions easier for buyers. When he’s not reading books with his son Miles and playing video games with the family, you can find him immersed in his growing collection of Euro-style board games.
