Apple CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday told participants in his company’s earnings call that the company continues to see opportunities in the video market, and that the firm plans to participate in the “breakdown of the cable bundle.”
Cook said that Apple sees “huge changes” taking place in customer behavior, which the company expects to “accelerate as the year goes by.” Specifically, Cook said that Apple is expecting an acceleration of the breakdown of the cable bundle. “I think it’ll likely take place at a much faster pace this year,” he said.
Cook said the company has plans “to participate in that” via the Apple TV and AirPlay 2. The Apple TV offers a variety of streaming apps that allow viewers to access content on a per-app basis. AirPlay 2 currently allows streaming of content from Apple devices. However, it was announced during CES 2019 that numerous third-party television manufacturers will be including AirPlay 2 support in their sets.
Cook mentioned third-party video subscription during the call, saying it is an opportunity that could “accelerate in the future,” as customers are likely to subscribe to multiple services.
Cook also discussed his company’s producing of original content.
“Finally, original content, where we will participate. We’ve signed a multi-year partnership with Oprah. Today I’m not really ready to extend that conversation beyond that point. We’ve hired some people we have a super amount of confidence in, and they’re working really hard. We’ll have more to say on that later.”
The company has more than two dozen original television shows in production, and has also purchased movies and signed deals with well-known industry talent.
The Apple TV maker’s much-rumored streaming television service is said to be readying for a mid-April launch.