According to a report by TheInformation on June 4th, Apple is reportedly in negotiations with China Mobile, the world’s largest mobile network operator by subscriber base, to launch its Apple TV+ video streaming service in China.
Over 200 million Chinese mobile users will get to enjoy Apple TV+
The current status of the talks remains unclear, but a successful agreement would grant Apple TV+ access to a massive audience – over 200 million Chinese mobile users. If negotiations go Apple’s way, Apple TV+ would become the only American streaming service to operate within China’s borders.
This potential move comes after a period of relative dormancy for Apple’s subscription services in China. Since 2017, Apple hasn’t launched any new subscription or media services in the mainland. However, recent signs suggest a renewed push – reports indicate Apple is also exploring ways to bring services like Apple Arcade and Fitness+ to the Chinese market.
The Information further highlights a key agreement Apple has reached with tech giant Tencent. This deal allows Tencent to offer a selection of its popular applications on Vision Pro, Apple’s upcoming mixed reality headset, specifically for the Chinese market. Apple CEO Tim Cook has previously confirmed a Chinese launch for Vision Pro later this year.
The report also mentions Apple’s efforts to navigate China’s strict content censorship regulations. To ensure compliance and successful service launches, Apple is reportedly seeking a local partner to assist with operating its subscription services, including Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade, within China.
For reference, the high-end version of the latest Apple TV 4K (7th generation) with an A15 Bionic chip and 128GB of storage reached a price of 1,161 yuan during China’s major shopping event, Double 11, last year. For comparison, the official US price is $149 (roughly 1,080 yuan at the time). Additionally, the monthly subscription fee for Apple TV+ is $9.99 (currently around 72 yuan), while the Apple One bundle costs $19.95 per month (approximately 145 yuan).
(Via)
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