Compared to rival streaming services like Disney Plus and Netflix, Apple TV Plus is small potatoes these days. But a new report in the Wall Street Journal suggests that Apple is eager to find ways to close the content gap.
According to a story in the Wall Street Journal today (Dec. 19), Apple has held talks with both MGM and the Pac-12 Network to add more movies and shows to its streaming service while also potentially branching out into live sports programming. The article describes the talks as preliminary, so don't expect to fire up your Apple TV and find James Bond and the USC Trojans waiting for you any time soon. But it does indicate that Apple is thinking beyond its own original programming as a way to make Apple TV Plus a more compelling service.
In contrast, the pickings are slimmer at Apple TV Plus, which currently features around 10 programs, none of which have approached the buzz that Netflix's slate of originals routinely generates. Apple is certain to roll out more shows — back in August, the Financial Times reported that Apple had spent $6 billion on new TV shows and movies for Apple TV Plus — and right now, many Apple TV Plus subscribers are getting the service for free, thanks to a promotion that gives you 12 free months when you buy an Apple device.
It's what happens after that 12-month trial is up and Apple TV Plus customers have to decide if the service is worth $4.99 a month. Apple clearly sees more content as the way to make that decision a lot easier.
A deal with MGM would certainly go a long way to giving Apple more programming at its disposal. According to the Journal's report, buying the studio would give it a library of titles featuring everything from James Bond movies to the Addams Family, with Apple either able to stream that programming on Apple TV Plus or create new original content without having to shell out licensing fees. (Apple would have to dip into its bank vault to pull off such a purchase — the Journal estimates that MGM would cost about $10 billion — though Apple ended its last fiscal quarter with $205.9 billion in cash.)
Based on the Journal report, it doesn't sound like a deal is forthcoming on either the MGM or sports front. But the fact that Apple is having these talks suggest that there's more coming to Apple TV Plus in 2020 than just more original shows.
