Apple Plans to Have Streaming TV Service Ready to Launch by Mid-April

Apple is aiming to have its video streaming service ready for launch in mid-April, reports The Information. The tidbit about Apple's service was shared in a wider piece on Amazon's plans for Amazon Prime Video.

According to the report, Apple has been telling entertainment companies who will have content available through the service to be ready for a launch in mid-April. A release date is said to be planned within a few weeks of the mid-April launch target.

A mid-April launch is in line with previous rumors that have suggested Apple's streaming service could launch early in 2019. The service is believed to feature Apple's own content along with content from third-party companies like HBO and STARZ.

Apple is telling entertainment companies that its streaming video service will be ready for launch by mid-April https://t.co/nsGRb5KgZz— Aaron Tilley (@aatilley) January 29, 2019

Apple is planning to make the service available through its existing TV app, and at least some of Apple's own content will be provided to Apple users for free.

While the service is said to be launching in the United States first, Apple has ambitious plans to expand it to more than 100 countries during 2019.

Apple has over two dozen original TV shows in the works, many of which have entered the casting phase and are likely close to being filmed, if filming has not already started. Apple has also signed deals for multiple movies and has brought on well-known TV producers like Jason Katims and Justin Lin for exclusive TV shows and movies.

Content runs the gamut from dramas and comedies to children's shows and science fiction. A full list of the projects that Apple has in the works is available in the original content section of our Apple TV roundup.Related Roundups: Apple TV, tvOS 12Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)This article, "Apple Plans to Have Streaming TV Service Ready to Launch by Mid-April" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums