Tim Cook Says Apple TV+ Is Off to a ‘Rousing Start’ but Doesn’t Provide Subscriber Numbers
Tim Cook, Apple’s chief executive, said Apple TV+ is off to a “rousing start” during today’s Q1 2020 earnings call, but he didn’t provide any subscriber numbers during an opening statement. When asked how he gauges the success of Apple TV+ during the call’s Q&A session, Cook said that they look at subscriber numbers, but again, he didn’t share any specific stats.
Luca Maestri, Apple’s CFO, added that Apple TV+ revenue “was immaterial to our results” for the quarter.
Just last week, 9to5Mac pointed out that a report in The Wall Street Journal said the streamer has garnered 33.6 million subscribers since launching. This means that Apple TV+ has surpassed Hulu, which was last reported at 29 million, and Disney+, which is reportedly at 23.2 million.
Most of the Apple TV+ subscribers are likely to be consumers who are taking advantage of the one-year free trial Apple offered with the purchase of a new iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or Apple TV, 9to5Mac noted.
Apple TV+ launched on Nov. 1 and is priced at $4.99. In addition to the offer mentioned above, the company also gave away Apple TV+ to Apple Music subscribers on the student plan — which is also $4.99 — at no additional charge. Reports came out late last year stating the company was looking into bundling its digital offerings — Apple TV+, Apple Music and Apple News+ — in 2020.
The service launched with 11 originals, including “The Morning Show,” which Jennifer Aniston recently received a SAG Award for.