Apple and Disney: streaming services to launch in November
Unofficial as well as official news about the upcoming streaming services from Apple and Disney has been released. Both services will launch in November – the streaming market will soon be fiercely contested; let the games begin.
The fragmentation of streaming services is slowly getting serious. Both Apple TV+ and Disney+ are quickly approaching. Thankfully, we won't have to wait any longer for information about their pricing. Disney also revealed which platforms and devices it would support for the launch.
Apple TV+: launching in November for $9.99 a month
Although Apple already announced Apple TV+ in March, the tech titans remained tight-lipped regarding an official release date or pricing. According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple's streaming service will open its gates in November and cost $9.99 per month.
Five shows/series will be available at launch: «The Morning Show» with Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, «See» with Aquaman star Jason Momoa, a production called «Truth Be Told» with actress Octavia Spencer, Steven Spielberg's revival of «Amazing Stories» and a documentary series entitled «Home». We also know that Oprah Winfrey will contribute two documentaries to the service.
Bloomberg also reports that Apple is targeting service revenues of $50 billion by 2020, to which Apple TV+ is expected to make a significant contribution.
Disney+: subscription service confirmed and platforms announced
Unlike the news from Apple, the information here comes directly from Disney. Yesterday, Disney confirmed the launch of their service. In the USA, Canada and the Netherlands, the event starts on 12 November at 6.99 US dollars a month and 69.99 US dollars per year respectively. There will also be a trio bundle for Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ set at $12.99 per month. Australia and New Zealand will join them starting on 19. November. An expansion into the most important global markets is planned within two years.
The following platforms and devices will be supported by Disney at launch:
- Apple TV (tvOS)
- Android mobile devices
- Android TV
- Chromecast.
- Desktop web browsers
- iPads (iPadOS)
- iPhone (iOS)
- PlayStation 4
- Roku streaming player
- Roku TV
- Xbox One
Unfortunately, Amazon devices are still currently missing from this line-up. Disney+ should be directly open for subscription on several platforms. This will also include iOS. They also plan on integrating content from the Apple TV App. Disney will stream selected content in UHD resolution and with HDR. Offline downloads will also be possible.
Who will dominate the streaming market?
Just two years ago, Apple wanted to spend over a billion dollars a year on the production of original content. This number is reportedly somewhere around six billion US dollars these days, an enormous increase.
But compared to Netflix' 14 billion dollars in 2019, Apple is still in the small leagues. Disney is even expected to spend as much as 24 billion US dollars a year on streaming and theatrical releases.
Looks like we’re in for a treat. What do you think?
I find my muse in everything. When I don’t, I draw inspiration from daydreaming. After all, if you dream, you don’t sleep through life.