Apple services could be offered in 'Apple One' bundle this October
Apple could be preparing to launch a new subscription offering that bundles together all of its services into one plan, with the alleged "Apple One" plan allegedly being readied for launch alongside the "iPhone 12" range.
A combined bundle of all of its online services has been touted in rumors and speculation for some time, one that would bring together different subscriptions into one monthly payment. In a report on Wednesday, it seems Apple is getting closer to offering customers a deal.
Allegedly titled "Apple One," sources of Bloomberg claim the bundle is planned to launch as early as October, to coincide with the release of the next iPhone generation. The aim of the bundle is to try and encourage users to pay for more Apple services by offering an attractive proposition.
The plan would be offered with various tiers, with each variation offering a different combination of Apple's existing offerings. For example, a basic package could combine Apple Music with Apple TV , with Apple Arcade added in for a higher-cost bundle, while adding in Apple News and additional iCloud storage will enhance the price more.
For consumers, the plans would be offered at a lower price than they would pay if they signed up for each subscription individually, at a saving of between $2 to $5 per month. Family Sharing would also be enabled, making the proposition even more valuable for groups.
The same sources indicated Apple One isn't the only subscription program Apple may launch, with it working on a virtual fitness class service that could be made available across iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. Codenamed "Seymour," the service would compete against similar offerings from Nike and Peloton, and while it would be available separately, it would also be offered as part of the same Apple One package on a higher-end tier.
Not all services will be included in Apple One, as Apple apparently doesn't want to include AppleCare or monthly payment plans for hardware as part of the offering.
Apple's potential all-in-one bundle has seemingly endured a bumpy journey for launch. In March, it was claimed some Apple Music agreements were causing problems for Apple in creating the Apple One package.
More recently in June, evidence of a bundle appeared in code for iOS 13.5.5, with mentions of a "bundle offer" and "bundle subscription" hinting at the continued development.
A combined bundle of all of its online services has been touted in rumors and speculation for some time, one that would bring together different subscriptions into one monthly payment. In a report on Wednesday, it seems Apple is getting closer to offering customers a deal.
Allegedly titled "Apple One," sources of Bloomberg claim the bundle is planned to launch as early as October, to coincide with the release of the next iPhone generation. The aim of the bundle is to try and encourage users to pay for more Apple services by offering an attractive proposition.
The plan would be offered with various tiers, with each variation offering a different combination of Apple's existing offerings. For example, a basic package could combine Apple Music with Apple TV , with Apple Arcade added in for a higher-cost bundle, while adding in Apple News and additional iCloud storage will enhance the price more.
For consumers, the plans would be offered at a lower price than they would pay if they signed up for each subscription individually, at a saving of between $2 to $5 per month. Family Sharing would also be enabled, making the proposition even more valuable for groups.
The same sources indicated Apple One isn't the only subscription program Apple may launch, with it working on a virtual fitness class service that could be made available across iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. Codenamed "Seymour," the service would compete against similar offerings from Nike and Peloton, and while it would be available separately, it would also be offered as part of the same Apple One package on a higher-end tier.
Not all services will be included in Apple One, as Apple apparently doesn't want to include AppleCare or monthly payment plans for hardware as part of the offering.
Apple's potential all-in-one bundle has seemingly endured a bumpy journey for launch. In March, it was claimed some Apple Music agreements were causing problems for Apple in creating the Apple One package.
More recently in June, evidence of a bundle appeared in code for iOS 13.5.5, with mentions of a "bundle offer" and "bundle subscription" hinting at the continued development.
Comments
Huh.
Apple very recently notified ClassPass that a third of their app receipts for virtual workout classes will be collected going forward, a change from pre-pandemic requirements. Simply circumstantial, or perhaps there is some connection to an upcoming 1st party Apple service that wasn't previously indicated? Notably, Class Pass doesn't keep any of the revenues for themselves.
https://forums.appleinsider.com/discussion/comment/3251219/#Comment_3251219
Bundled services of course make sense. Overall it should significantly increase Apple's services uptake and revenues. A lot of people look for those "bargains", even for stuff they weren't really interested in to begin with. I don't think it would cost Apple more since they only pay the content providers a cut from the subscriber revenues AFAICT. Apple's profit is guaranteed, other than Apple TV which is probably dragging from the rest at the moment, and potentially Cloud storage where most buyers probably don't use what they're already given so I believe selling them more will be pure profit too. I know I don't use all the 2TB I pay for, but gosh it didn't cost much more than the next lower tier so I convinced myself it was a worthwhile bargain.
Apple Care- Y
iTunes Match - Y
iCloud storage - Y
Apple Music (subscription) - N ( I use Apple Lossless files on my devices- not lossy AAC)
Apple TV+ - N ( I have Hulu w Live TV, Amazon Prime and HBO Max)
Apple Arcade - N ( I see nothing of value there- Where is THPS 1 & 2?)
Apple News - N ( I have multiple news subs, but the Apple product is of no interest)
I would love to see Apple offer an MVNO service combined with a soft phone app to free us from the TelCos.
I would also be interested in a PPV setup for sporting events, live concerts and theater offered.
Like any tech, it is a personal choice based on a specific need, want, desire.
I'm looking forward to seeing the offerings. I like lower prices and savings too. I'll try Apple+ when I see something I specifically want to watch, and so far that is only the previewed "Foundation."
Curious to see what becomes of live sports streaming, particularly with the Sunday Ticket licensing to Dish. My recollection is that was due for renewal, and things have changed rather dramatically since the NFL inked it. Nevermind that an NLF season in 2020 is very much in doubt at this point.
Joe. Amazon Prime has 2 day delivery. THAT is innovative and exclusive. Many people who pay for Prime never press play on Prime Video or Prime Music.
THPS? Tony Hawk Pro Skater??
"I would love to see Apple offer an MVNO service combined with a soft phone app to free us from the TelCos."
I wanted Apple as a real carrier so long I gave up.
"I would also be interested in a PPV setup for sporting events, live concerts and theater offered."
This is pretty much confirmed to be coming with their VR hardware.
As far as I’m concerned these newer services don’t get enough of a light shined on them by Apple, similar to Apple Pay that was rolled out 5 years ago and I still find merchants who don’t know they accept it (or what it is) and iPhone/Apple Watch users who are also in the dark.
Good point!
This is a great idea. What I wish Apple would do is film locations in detail and add them as bike paths. For example El Tour De France, The Grand Canyon, San
Francisco Bridge, Great Wall of China etc. Add this as a game on Apple Arcade. Add online races and social media. Would be cool to bike with friends with voice chat enabled.
I'm not sure $2-$5 is enough to have such an effect.
For example, I think it would be smart for them to throw in 2TB iCloud storage. The average user will still not use more than the 200GB plan, but the (perceived) price benefit would be $7 on that alone. That will get a lot of people to convince themselves they should get the bundle, even if they end up paying Apple more.
I myself would welcome a bundle. The price point obviously is the critical element.
I wonder how far back that AppleOne design goes — could it have served as an inspiration for Janoff?