An Apple services bundle for a single monthly fee could become a reality ‘as soon as 2020’.
That’s according to a report published by Bloomberg today (November 14) which, citing people familiar with the matter, states that the company is considering the move ‘in a bid to gain more subscribers’.
The bundle would include News+, Apple TV+ and Apple Music.
Citing sources, who asked to remain anonymous, Bloomberg’s article adds that Apple included a provision in its deals with publishers to allow the recently-launched News+ service to be bundled with the tech company’s other digital services.
News+ launched in the US and Canada in March for $9.99 and $12.99 per month respectively, and in the UK in September for £9.99 per month.
Netflix rival Apple TV+ launched on November 1, priced at $4.99/£4.99 per month.
As noted by Bloomberg, a services bundle, like rival Amazon‘s Prime offering, could help Apple attract additional subscribers.
Last month, an article published by the Financial Times reported that some record labels are concerned about the idea of the company bundling its services.
Citing sources, the FT’s article reported that labels were approached with the bundle proposition by Apple a short time ago and that not all companies are keen on the idea.
Record label execs, added last month’s FT report, ‘fear that margins may be hurt if Apple undercuts the $10 monthly price’ charged by leading music streaming services.Music Business Worldwide
