As part of a global promotion, Apple will give away the streaming service Apple TV+ for free on the first weekend of January.
From January 3 to 5, anyone with an Apple ID can use the streaming service for free on any device that supports Apple TV+. When purchased separately, the service typically costs $9.99 per month; however, Apple also bundles it with other services like music, video games, and cloud storage.
The free weekend falls during the recent premiere of new seasons of Shrinking and Bad Sisters, the last of which aired earlier this month. The current season of the science fiction series Silo will be airing when the promotion takes place, and Severance, whose second season is scheduled for January 17, is a major upcoming title that will probably be promoted over the free weekend.
The action is reminiscent of the free weekends that premium cable networks used to offer back when cable TV was at its peak. More recently, similar free campaigns have been launched by other subscription streaming services, such as Netflix.
In November 2019, Apple TV+ made its debut. In order to present analytics for its whole services division, Apple has never revealed its subscriber numbers. Services revenue has been increasing consistently and accounted for around 25% of total revenue in the most recent fiscal year. The quarter ending September 30 saw the company reach $25 billion in services revenue for the first time, with gross margins of 74%—much higher than the 46% overall profit margin.
In November 2019, Apple TV+ made its debut. In order to present analytics for its whole services division, Apple has never revealed its subscriber numbers. Services revenue has been increasing consistently and accounted for around 25% of total revenue in the most recent fiscal year. The quarter ending September 30 saw the company reach $25 billion in services revenue for the first time, with gross margins of 74%—much higher than the 46% overall profit margin.
Apple TV+ not only supports its larger services business but also encourages viewing on Apple TV, the company’s long-standing streaming hub. Viewers can interact with rental, sell-through, or subscription options on Apple TV even if they do not have an Apple TV+ subscription. Due to its investment in those live rights, the company has also provided a selection of sports programming on Apple TV in front of the pay wall.