Apple details connected TV plans, streaming slate
US-based broadcaster tech company Apple has just announced a refreshed design for its connected TV platform and the upcoming content slate for its streaming service in its annual upfronts developer conference.
Before we unpack that: yes, Apple doesn't just compete with Australian broadcasters, Sustaining Feed's editorial position is that it is itself a broadcaster.
- The technology firm runs six free, online 'radio stations' with 24/7 schedules that include live, hosted shows.
- It holds multi-territory rights to Major League Soccer and select Major League Baseball games.
- It competes with Paramount Global's MTV channels with its own, 24/7 Apple Music TV stream.
- And, it outputs its hour-plus advertorials live at least twice a year–including today.
Sustaining Feed doesn't limit its definition of 'broadcast' to terrestrial technologies, especially with firms like Apple entering the fray, and Australia's regulatory landscape.
So, let's get more on today's announcements.
First, Apple's next software update for its Apple TV boxes will offer more opportunities to personalise content between different people in a household.
There'll now be an option to invoke its profile menu every time the device is turned on, and developers will have the option to separate app logins between those device-level profiles.
That could let broadcasters collect more specific data for their TV ratings reports, content recommendations and targeted advertisements.
While not announced by Apple, local broadcasters can expect their apps to soon be pre-loaded on Apple TV devices, with ACMA saying the devices are likely covered under the federal government's 2024 prominence laws.
The timeline for that change may or may not align with when Apple releases its other features.
Of course, Apple will also continue to compete with those broadcasters for eyeballs with its paid Apple TV+ streaming service.
Despite a March report by The Information that the service is losing US$1 billion per year, Apple today confirmed plans for more content including new episodes of series including Foundation, Morning Wars and Slow Horses.
Rather than cash, the service has earned some cultural cache, with its series Severance accrued more than 580 million minutes of watch time from US television viewers earlier this year.
