Apple Streaming Service Could Soon Add HBO, Showtime, Starz While Original Titles In Development
By Hoai-Tran Bui/March 14, 2019 1:30 pm EST
The company is expected to reach a deal with all three networks by Friday, taking Apple one step closer to its end goal of being a one-stop-shop for digital media and entertainment. The service is already set to allow users to watch cable news channels, according to CNBC. In addition, Apple’s streaming service will reportedly launch with a “media bundle” that will come with video streaming, Apple Music, and the Texture news app, according to Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty.
These deals, which are currently in the final stages of negotiating over user experience and marketing, could prove critical to Apple’s streaming service in the early days of its launch, as most of its star-studded original titles will not be ready by the time the service has its first look on March 25. Aside from a few reports of stars and synopses, the shows and movies are still relatively veiled in mystery, though the first batch of shows will likely be officially announced at Apple’s March 25 event. But when the service makes its debut, the majority of TV shows and movies will likely be from third parties, with the exception of some of Apple’s already existing content like Carpool Karaoke: The Series.
So far, at least 18 shows have been sold or are already in production, but expect to hear more on March 25, 2019.
