Updated
Updated · Pocket-lint · Aug 13
Apple TV Licenses 19 Third-Party Movies as $13 Plan Seeks Subscriber Growth
Updated
Updated · Pocket-lint · Aug 13

Apple TV Licenses 19 Third-Party Movies as $13 Plan Seeks Subscriber Growth

3 articles · Updated · Pocket-lint · Aug 13

Summary

  • Apple TV has quietly broken from its originals-first model by licensing 19 third-party movies for U.S. subscribers, including The Martian, Arrival, Titanic and Zodiac.
  • The move appears aimed at lifting subscriptions with familiar “halo” titles that are cheaper than funding new series, while Apple TV still charges $13 a month or $99 a year.
  • The films are also reportedly available in Canada and the UK, though the lineup may differ by market; access remains limited to paying subscribers or a seven-day trial.
  • Apple’s shift comes as AI datacenter demand pushes up RAM costs and hardware prices, increasing pressure to grow higher-margin services revenue such as Apple TV and Apple One.

Insights

Why did Apple quietly drop a massive collection of blockbuster movies for free, and how long will this secret promotion last?
With US subscribers unlocking dozens of free hits, what is hiding behind Apple's massive regional disparity for international viewers?