For the past 3 years, we have been warning consumers that the cord-cutting trend may not be the money saver everybody was hoping for. Consumers rarely subscribe to only one streaming platform because of the exclusivity of specific programming and the desire to watch professional sports. Many consumers have Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and ESPN+ subscriptions which can add up rather quickly.
Following on the heels of several streaming services, most notably Disney and Netflix, Apple has announced new prices increases that will only take more money out of your wallet.
The increased prices apply to Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and Apple News+. This affects new and existing subscribers in the U.S. and many other countries around the world.
The price changes in the U.S. are as follows:
- Apple TV+: Was $6.99 per month / Now $9.99 per month
- Apple Arcade: Was $4.99 per month / Now $6.99 per month
- Apple News+: Was $9.99 per month / Now $12.99 per month
Tip: For US subscribers, the price increases for Apple Arcade and Apple News+ are the first since they were introduced in November 2019. When Apple TV+ was first introduced, the price was $4.99 per month, with an intervening price increase to $6.99 in October 2022.
Annual Plan Subscribers: For those who subscribe to Apple TV+ on the annual plan, the price goes up from $69 per year to $99 per year.
Prices for the Apple One bundles that include these services are also increasing as a result:
- Individual: Was $16.95 per month / Now $19.95 per month
- Family: Was $22.95 per month / Now $25.95 per month
- Premier: Was $32.95 per month / Now $37.95 per month
The price increases take effect immediately for new subscribers, and within 30 days for existing subscribers. Emails are expected to be sent to current subscribers to inform them of the price changes.
As for the reason for the price increases it has been indicated that Apple is “focused on delivering the best experiences possible for our customers by consistently adding high-quality entertainment, content, and innovative features to our services.”
Tip: There is no price increase for Apple Music or Apple Fitness+ at the current time.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is a streaming service that offers mostly original content. A limited amount of third-party content is available for viewing.
Apple Originals are always commercial-free. New movies and series are added every Wednesday and Friday, though some shows release all episodes at once. You can watch them on demand anytime, anywhere.
Original Show Examples: For All Mankind, Ted Lasso, Foundation, Invasion, The Morning Show.
Apple TV+ also features select MLB (Major League Baseball) and MLS (Major League Soccer) games when in season.
For more information: tv.apple.com
Apple Arcade
Apple Arcade is a game subscription service that offers unlimited access to over 200 premium games. There are new releases, award winners, and favorites from the App Store, all without ads or in-app purchases. You can play Apple Arcade games on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. Games can be played online, office, and across all compatible Apple devices. You can even share your subscription with up to 5 people.
For more information: apple.com/apple-arcade/
Apple News+
This service provides extensive access to online versions of hundreds of magazines and newspapers, including national, regional, and local news. If you are a sports fan, there is access to abundant local, regional, and national sports news.
Other Apple News+ features include Apple News+ Audio, the ability to read online and office line on compatible devices, and the ability to share your account with up to six family members.
For more information: apple.com/apple-news/
More Context
Although streaming prices continue to go up across the board, when taken into context, Apple’s price increases still result in lower overall pricing than other major streaming services, such as Netflix, Disney+, Paramount+, and MAX.
Although Apple TV+ doesn’t offer the quantity of content as some other streaming services, they seem to be hitting the mark more often with quality content.
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