Apple Steps into Videos and Games Subscription Services

The smartphones, computers and tablets giant, has been struggling in terms of iPhone sales in many of its international markets

Apple has announced its entry into the video and games subscription services via Apple Arcade and and Apple TV+ apps. As the names suggest, Apple Arcade represents games subscription services, while Apple TV+ refers to video subscription services.

Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, said, “We’re honoured that the absolute best lineup of storytellers in the world — both in front of and behind the camera — are coming to Apple TV+.”

Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, added, “The App Store is the world’s biggest and most successful game platform. Now we are going to take games even further with Apple Arcade, the first game subscription service for mobile, desktop and the living room.”

The Cupertino based smartphones, computers and tablets giant has been struggling in terms of iPhone sales in many of its international markets. It is also facing strong headwinds from several lawsuits filled by Qualcomm against it. A jury in US had recently said that Apple was found guilty in one of lawsuits filled by the chip-maker.

Video and game subscription markets

A report published by Research and Markets had said that the global gaming market had reached a value of US$ 98.5 Billion in 2017. It has also forecast the global gaming market to reach a value of US$ 171.7 Billion by 2023, expanding at a CAGR of around 10 per cent during 2018-2023.

Similarly, according to a research carried out by Technavio’s market research analysts, the global market for video services will experience profound growth and will post an impressive CAGR of more than 24 per cent by 2020. The global video streaming market size, as per Grand View Research, was valued at USD 36.64 billion in 2018 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 19.6 per cent from 2019 to 2025.

Apple Arcade

Apple Arcade, as per the company, will launch in fall 2019 in more than 150 countries from a new tab on the App Store across iOS, macOS and tvOS. The company also seems to be inviting developers to develop games for the service.

Company’s official statement read, “Apple Arcade will introduce an innovative way to access a collection of brand new games that will not be available on any other mobile platform or in any other subscription service. Rather than pay up front for each game, a subscription to Apple Arcade will give players the opportunity to try any game in the service without risk.”

It continued, “The service will feature games from Annapurna Interactive, Bossa Studios, Cartoon Network, Finji, Giant Squid, Klei Entertainment, Konami, LEGO, Mistwalker Corporation, SEGA, Snowman, ustwo games and dozens more.”

Schiller added, “We are working with some of the most innovative game developers in the world to create over 100 new and exclusive games to play across iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV. Apple Arcade games will be great for families, respect user privacy and will not have ads or require any additional purchases. We think players of all ages are going to love Apple Arcade.”

Apple TV+

Apple TV+, Apple’s original video subscription service, as per the compnay, will feature a brand new slate of programming from artists including Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Octavia Spencer, J.J. Abrams, Jason Momoa, M. Night Shyamalan, Jon M. Chu and more.

Cue added, “We’re thrilled to give viewers a sneak peek of Apple TV+ and cannot wait for them to tune in starting this fall. Apple TV+ will be home to some of the highest quality original storytelling that TV and movie lovers have seen yet.”

Apple’s official statement read, “Beginning in May, customers can subscribe to Apple TV channels a-la-carte and watch them in the Apple TV app, with no additional apps, accounts or passwords required. Apple TV channels include popular services such as HBO, Starz, Showtime, CBS All Access, Smithsonian Channel, Epix, Tastemade, Noggin and new services like MTV Hits, with more to be added over time around the world.”