Apple TV Plus Reportedly in Talks With Hollywood Studios About Licensing Library Content

(Image credit: Apple)

Struggling SVOD service Apple TV Plus is in talks with the major media conglomerates about acquiring some older movies and TV shows, Bloomberg reports

The move is notable, given Apple TV Plus (aka Apple TV+) launched November 1 of last year with only original series. 

Also read: Is It Already Too Late for Apple TV Plus?

But with film and TV production shut down amid the pandemic, and all of Apple’s SVOD competitors supporting much deeper content libraries, Apple is understandably seeking to build some depth. Bloomberg said it has already made some acquisitions, although what it has licensed so far was not reported. 

Citing unnamed sources, the news service also said that Apple TV Plus had acquired around 10 million subscribers through February. Only around half of those, however, are regularly using the service.

Apple TV Plus has a $4.99 subscription price. But Apple has been giving away the service for free to purchasers of iPhones, MacBook Pros and other Apple devices. 

Also read: Apple TV App Leads Tech Giant’s Surging Services Business

The better news for Apple is that TV Plus was part of a growth story in Q1, during which app-based services generated a record $13.3 billion for the technology giant. 

Daniel Frankel

Daniel Frankel is the managing editor of Next TV, an internet publishing vertical focused on the business of video streaming. A Los Angeles-based writer and editor who has covered the media and technology industries for more than two decades, Daniel has worked on staff for publications including E! Online, Electronic Media, Mediaweek, Variety, paidContent and GigaOm. You can start living a healthier life with greater wealth and prosperity by following Daniel on Twitter today!