The WSJ reports that Apple is planning to offer ‘original scripted TV content’ by years end. Apple is also considering movies but that’s further down the roadmap and isn’t confirmed.
Apple is planning to build a significant new business in original television shows and movies, according to people familiar with the matter […] Executives at Apple have told people in Hollywood they hope to start offering original scripted content by the end of 2017.
Unlike other reports, this one says that Apple will be building the TV shows into Apple Music instead of making it a separate subscription. The WSJ suggests that this move will help Apple Music catch up to Spotify’s growing subscriber base.
Apple’s plan will reportedly have a small number of high-profile shows.
The shows Apple is considering would likely be comparable to critically acclaimed programs like Westworld on Time Warner’s HBO or Stranger Things on Netflix .
Today’s report contradicts what Apple SVP Eddy Cue said last year, stating that Apple was ‘not in the business of trying to create TV shows.”
