Apple is reportedly considering the development of a lower-cost Apple TV dongle that would be similar to Google’s Chromecast or Amazon’s Fire Stick.
The Information reports the Cupertino firm has held internal discussions about introducing a low-priced streaming “dongle” that viewers could plug into the back of their TV sets. The report sources are the ever-popular “people familiar with the project.”
The company is reported to be considering such a device to promote adoption of its upcoming streaming service. A lower cost Apple TV dongle would make such a service, which would be Apple device-only, more accessible to potential viewers.
While the dongles from Amazon and Google are in the $25 to $35 range, Apple’s cheapest Apple TV model starts at $149 (for a non-4K model). The Apple TV 4K lineup starts at $179.
Much-repeated rumors indicate Apple will roll out a streaming service sometime in 2019. It is for sure whether the service will be a standalone service, or if it would be bundled with an Apple Music subscription.
While the Apple-created original content on the new streaming service is expected to be free, and made available through the TV app on iOS and Apple TV devices, subscribers could also access premium channels such as HBO and Showtime for an subscription fee.
Apple has more than a dozen original television series in the works at the moment, and has also signed deals to produce movies.
