Apple is planning to bundle together its subscription services – Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple News+ and Apple TV+ – to create a more compelling offering, according to reports.
The Financial Times has reported that Apple is meeting with record label bosses about the possibility of bundling together its core subscription services under one low-cost monthly package.
Though some record label execs are open to the idea of the change, the FT is claiming that at least one of the big labels has voiced concerns, with the industry becoming more wary and cautious about its relationship with Apple.
The report suggests that labels are worried Apple could cut music streaming revenue, which could have a major impact on profitability.
The FT has also suggested that Apple and the music executives have still yet to decide a pricing formula, with Apple not yet set on an appropriate amount for its all-in-one bundle.
It’s also not known whether services such as Apple Arcade, AppleCare+, iCloud and Apple News+ will be included in the subscription, or whether Apple will opt just for music and television.
At present, Apple Music costs $9.99 per month in the US ($4.99 for students and $14.99 for a Family Sharing subscription, offering access to up to six users of the same family), whilst Apple TV+ is expected to be priced at $4.99 per month with a year’s free subscription for those who purchase an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod Touch or Mac after September 10.
When including Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade and Apple News+ into one subscription, users would pay around $30 per month – so introducing a bundle could see Apple offering all four core services for less than $20, incentivizing customers to subscribe.
One of Apple’s competitors, Amazon, offers unlimited next day delivery, Prime Video movies and television shows, basic music streaming, unlimited photo storage, two free audiobooks a month, gaming loot through Twitch Prime, a free eBook every month, and much more for just $12.99 per month, but special offers regularly bring that down to less than $9.99.
Whether Apple could create a compelling alternative to Amazon Prime remains to be seen, but by bundling together all of its services into one package, it’s certainly on the right track.
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