Apple is exploring the possibility of adding an advertising-supported tier to its Apple TV+ streaming service. According to reports, the company has been discussing advertising tracking options with UK ratings agency Barb. While the details of these discussions remain unclear, this move aligns with the growing trend among streaming platforms to offer ad-supported plans as a means to increase revenue and attract a wider audience.
James Warrington for The Telegraph:
Barb, which is jointly owned by broadcasters including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky, provides official viewing data for British TV.
It already monitors the time viewers spend watching Apple TV+, offering customers data for films and shows such as Ted Lasso and Severance.
However, the ratings agency would need to deploy additional data collection techniques to capture advertising.
It is the latest indication that Apple, which is the only major streaming service yet to introduce adverts, is planning to follow suit.
While major streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video have introduced ad-supported tiers, Apple TV+ is the only service that remains commercial-free.
Here’s a breakdown of the pricing for these other platforms:
• Netflix: Basic with ads: $6.99/£4.99; Ad-free: $15.49/£10.99
• Disney+: Ad-supported: $7.99/£4.99; Ad-free: $13.99/£7.99
• Amazon Prime Video: Ad-supported: Included in Prime membership ($14.99/£8.99); Ad-free: $2.99/£2.99 additional monthly fee
MacDailyNews Take: When it finally arrives, it’ll be better late than never. That said, it’ll also significantly expand the reach of Apple TV+!
Apple has been working on an ad-supported tier for Apple TV+ for years now:
Hearing from a little birdie that Apple is planning to launch an ad-supported version of its Apple TV+ streaming-video platform. pic.twitter.com/tfbt7JyMLs
— MacDailyNews (@MacDailyNews) August 4, 2022
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