Apple aims to be an all-purpose company — letting users bundle its digital services.
Sources say the “Apple One” bundle could come in October, dovetailing with the next iPhone, reports Bloomberg. The basic package is Apple TV+ and Apple Music. (More expensive tiers add on services, such as Apple Arcade gaming and Apple News+, as well as extra iCloud storage.)
The lure for users is cost. The point of grouping services is to offer more for less. The price of a bundle would be lower than subscribing to each individual service.
Apple is also developing a subscription for virtual workouts via an app for the iPhone, iPad and Apple TV. The bundles, which target families, provide access for up to six people per service, making them even more economically attractive.
In addition, the company plans new software and hardware bundles, such as giving buyers of the Apple TV set-top box a free year of Apple Arcade. That would follow a free year of TV+ offered to those purchasing new Apple devices, reports the business magazine.
Wall Street analysts have applauded the move. Bundling efforts have proven hugely successful for Amazon Prime, which combines free shipping with video streaming and other services for an annual or monthly fee.
Vice president Peter Stern, who works closely with Eddy Cue, Apple’s SVP of internet software and services, is overseeing all “Apple One” efforts.