Apple still mulling services bundle, iOS 13.5.5 code suggests
Code discovered in the latest iOS 13.5.5 release suggests Apple is working to build out a bundle of its core for-pay services, Apple Music, Apple News+, Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade.
Files and code strings uncovered by 9to5Mac reveal references to a "bundle offer" and "bundle subscription" related to Apple's services management backend. While not directly attached to a specific product, like Apple Music, the language indicates Apple is considering a subscription services combo offer.
Exactly what Apple's bundle might look like is at this point unknown. The company currently fields four main subscription products in Apple Music, Apple News+, Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade. Apple Music and Apple News+ cost $9.99 a month for individuals, while Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade are priced at $4.99 a month. Discounts for each can be had through family and Family Sharing plans. Non-content service programs include Apple Care hardware support, which varies depending on device.
A potential bundle of two or more services would save consumers money and could boost adoption of less popular products.
Apple has long been rumored to be mulling a subscription bundle, though such a product has yet to materialize. A report in November claimed the company was close to striking deals with publishing partners that would enable the rollout of a subscription package sometime this year.
Most recently, however, a report in March noted newly signed deals with record labels effectively precludes Apple from launching a combined service in the near term. The tech giant reportedly informed music executives that it plans to combine its digital services under a bundle-style plan, but discussions on distribution rights are ongoing.
Files and code strings uncovered by 9to5Mac reveal references to a "bundle offer" and "bundle subscription" related to Apple's services management backend. While not directly attached to a specific product, like Apple Music, the language indicates Apple is considering a subscription services combo offer.
Exactly what Apple's bundle might look like is at this point unknown. The company currently fields four main subscription products in Apple Music, Apple News+, Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade. Apple Music and Apple News+ cost $9.99 a month for individuals, while Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade are priced at $4.99 a month. Discounts for each can be had through family and Family Sharing plans. Non-content service programs include Apple Care hardware support, which varies depending on device.
A potential bundle of two or more services would save consumers money and could boost adoption of less popular products.
Apple has long been rumored to be mulling a subscription bundle, though such a product has yet to materialize. A report in November claimed the company was close to striking deals with publishing partners that would enable the rollout of a subscription package sometime this year.
Most recently, however, a report in March noted newly signed deals with record labels effectively precludes Apple from launching a combined service in the near term. The tech giant reportedly informed music executives that it plans to combine its digital services under a bundle-style plan, but discussions on distribution rights are ongoing.
Comments
Enough of this nonsense. Apple doesn’t mull. The decision is taken at this point
For me, the single payment is easier to keep track of. In the meantime, I'll wait on AppleTV+ as I already have Netflix, Prime, Acorn, and BritBox, the last two of which are paid via my Apple account.
Best future for me is that AT&T is close to running fiber into my shop, which is currently served by a pricey microwave link as broadband to my location is a pathetic 2.4 mbps down.