Two streaming worlds are colliding. Today (Oct. 16), Apple TV (which recently dropped the Plus from its name) and Peacock announced a new streaming bundle that shares some content across the two apps.
There are two bundle tiers: Apple TV + Peacock Premium for $14.99 a month, or Apple TV + Peacock Premium Plus (ad-free) for $19.99. On their own, those would cost nearly double, so yes, this one’s actually a great deal to get two of the best streaming services.
"With this first-of-its-kind initiative with Apple, we’re redefining what the customer journey should be for a streaming bundle with rich sampling and a smooth sign-up process, and we’re broadening the reach of Peacock to even more audiences," Matt Strauss, Chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, said in the press release.
What is being shared?
If you get the bundle, you'll see Apple TV shows in your Peacock app and Peacock shows in Apple TV. At launch, it won't be everything but more of a sampler platter.
For example, on Peacock, you'll be able to watch up to three episodes of original Apple programs like the excellent "Slow Horses," "Foundation" and "Silo." In the Apple TV app, three episodes of NBCUniversal shows like "Law & Order," "Twisted Metal" and "Love Island Games" will be available to stream.
It seems like a teaser for each service's original shows and, later, sports offerings like the NBA — tipping off on Oct. 21 — and movies like Apple's "F1." According to Apple, more shows will be available soon, but it's not clear when or what will be available. Beyond that, the channels could possibly run "continue watching" options for each other's shows.
It's a bit confusing, but what you do get with this bundle is savings. Right now, an Apple TV subscription will set you back $12.99 a month, while the Peacock tiers cost $7.99 and 13.99 a month, respectively.
Streaming bundles are the future
Everyone’s tired of juggling seven subscriptions and the streamers know it. Bundling has quickly become the new streaming arms race strategy. Disney and Hulu already share one app (which makes sense, since they're owned by the same company), and those two teamed up with HBO Max for a bundle. Various cable channels and phone providers also offer bundles with their plans.
The idea is simple: fewer cancellations, more eyeballs and (hopefully) a little less subscription fatigue. For viewers, it’s a small win ... until, of course, everything gets rebundled and we realize they've reinvented cable.
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