Apple TV+ has existed for nearly six years, but only recently has it truly hit its stride.Fortunately for Apple, its success arrived just in time for a new wave of competition and changes in the broader streaming landscape.Streaming landscape is seeing its biggest changes in years Lots of change is afoot in the TV streaming landscape.
FOX One is about to launch as a major new streaming player ESPN’s long-awaited flagship streamer is coming this month too Hulu’s app is being phased out, absorbed fully into Disney+ Roku launched Howdy, a $2.99/month ad-free service Skydance completed its acquisition of Paramount+ And guess what? All of that news happened just this week.We seem to be on the brink of a new phase in the “streaming wars.” The last time I can remember so many big streaming moves happening at once was in 2019-2020.Back then, Apple TV+, Disney+, HBO Max, and Peacock all launched consecutively in the span of nine months.
This current wave of new streamers and strategy shifts doesn’t quite match that level of activity.But it is noteworthy nonetheless.And it’s hitting at a time when Apple TV+ seems best equipped to weather the storm of increased competition.
Apple TV+ seems to have found success at the perfect time If the latest wave of streaming developments were happening just one year ago, I might be worried about the impact on Apple TV+.That’s because at this time last year, Apple’s sole mainstream hit was Ted Lasso.And its content slate in the first half of 2024 was especially weak.
Fortunately, the streamer turned things around in a big way starting late last summer, and it’s been on a tear ever since.Now, Apple TV+ is easily having its best year to date, and this fall’s lineup looks stronger than ever too.What was a very niche streaming option not long ago has now started to truly live up to the “new HBO” reputation some analysts give it.
Apple TV+ hasn’t yet achieved the level of success some of its biggest competitors can claim.But it’s increasingly built mainstream awareness that will be key in streaming’s next era.With more streaming services than ever vying for subscribers, Apple is carving out an identity as the destination for premium content.
And it’s doing so at a much lower cost.$10 for Apple TV+ compares especially favorably to new players that start at double or triple that.All this to say: Apple TV+ looks poised to continue reaching new heights despite the threat of fresh competition.
And not long ago, that seemed far from a certainty.How do you feel about the current state of TV streaming services? Let us know in the comments.Apple TV+ is available for $9.99 per month and features hit TV shows and movies like Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Silo, and Shrinking.
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