A new report from Bloomberg indicates Apple is planning to launch its new streaming television service with little of its own original content available, but is instead “racing” to finalize deals with networks like HBO, Showtime, and Starz ahead of their March 25 event.
But before the curtain goes up, Apple needs to complete deals. The company is racing to secure movies and TV shows to offer alongside its own original videos and is offering concessions to get deals done by a Friday deadline, according to people familiar with the matter. Pay-TV programmers such as HBO, Showtime and Starz have to decide whether Apple is an existential threat, as some now view Netflix, a potential partner or something in between.
While Apple has dozens of its own shows in development, only a few are said to be ready for prime time. (Or at 2 a.m., if that’s how you roll.)
The report also indicates Apple will use the March 25 event to debut its new Apple credit card on stage, alongside the streaming television service and its new news and magazine subscription service.
Bloomberg says Apple has invited payment industry journalists to the event, suggesting Apple’s much-rumored new credit card will be unveiled during the shindig.
The Apple News subscription unsurprisingly is said to be similar to the “all-you-can-read” Texture magazine service, which Apple purchased awhile back. The report says while Apple will sell the TV and news services separately, they may offer a discount if a customers subscribes to both services.
Apple has dozens of its own TV shows in development or in the planning stages, but only a few appear to be complete and ready to air.