Apple are aiming to launch its video streaming service for mid-April, according to the The Information. The provisional release came to light following an update on Amazon’s plans for Amazon Prime Video.
The report suggests that Apple have been in talks with entertainment companies who will have content available through the service to be ready for its release in mid-April. Exactly when in April remains unknown yet but a release date is set to be announced towards the end of March.
Should the service be launched mid-April, it matches with previous rumours that have all proposed Apple’s streaming service would be launched early in 2019. Apple’s own content will feature in the service, alongside content from third party companies such as STARZ and HBO.
It is thought that the service will be made available through its existing TV app and some of Apple’s content will be available to Apple users free of charge. The United States will be the first country to receive the streaming service with plans in place to expand it to more than 100 countries throughout the rest of the year.
Currently, Apple have almost 30 original TV shows in the pipeline. Many of these TV shows have entered the casting phase and are close to production, if not already underway. It’s also said that Apple have signed deals for various movies with producers such as Jason Katims, responsible for the likes of About A Boy, Parenthood and Friday Night Lights. Justin Lin is also said to be working with Apple, the director is well known for his work on the Fast & Furious franchise so it’s certainly exciting times ahead.
The content available on the streaming service will cover a variety of genres from children’s shows to science fiction to drama and comedy.
