Apple is reportedly working on a premium TV bundle that could seriously disrupt the scene, rocking three premium U.S. networks - HBO, Showtime, and Starz - in the same package.
A new report indicates that Apple is in talks with the three networks to deliver this premium TV bundle to viewers via iOS and Apple TV devices, which could be a real game changer.
Why Apple's Premium TV Bundle Could Be A Game Changer
Apple already offers each of these channels individually, but packing HBO, Starz, and Showtime in the same bundle would be a boon to consumers and would likely drive substantially more interest in Apple's TV offerings.
Some traditional TV operators such as Charter already offer various channels as a package deal, but they usually require customers to get a basic range of premium channels first so they can add a premium bundle on top of that. Apple, instead, could offer the premium TV bundle upfront, as a stand-alone option to all interested customers, without requiring them to subscribe to a basic bundle first.
Recode reports that Apple has already approached the three networks about bundling them into a single paid package, but hasn't forged a deal with any of them just yet.
Representatives from Starz, HBO, and Showtime declined to comment on the matter, so there's no official confirmation at this point. If the companies are still in the negotiation phase, however, it makes sense not to comment until they reach an agreement.
Apple TV Efforts
For now, Apple offers Showtime for $11 per month, HBO for $15 per month, and Starz for $9 per month. A bundle combining all three could be cheaper than their stand-alone prices stacked up, but Recode has no information on possible pricing for the package.
Apple's attempts so far to pack various TV channels into a traditional streaming bundle hasn't amounted to much, but rival companies such as Hulu, Google and others are closing in and coming up with enticing offers.
The TV scene is already heating up with the likes of Dish AirTV and AT&T DirecTV Now and more exciting options are expected to become available, so Apple needs to come up with something great to compete.
Apple already enjoys a loyal fan base and a game-changing premium TV bundle like the one rumored could be just what it needs to take on rivals and establish itself as a force in this field as well.
The company previously tried to score deals for a streaming TV service that would combine a number of live TV channels with on-demand television, but that project never materialized as Apple failed to agree with content providers that reportedly didn't want to unbundle their channels.
The rumored Apple TV streaming plans never came to fruition, but Apple may have better luck this time with its negotiations for this premium TV bundle. It remains to be seen how things will unfold and whether Apple will eventually manage to forge the deals it wants, but the prospect seems quite exciting. With no confirmation or official information, however, take this news with a grain of salt for now.
