“It’s show time.” Apple has officially confirmed that it will be holding an Apple Special Event at Steve Jobs Theatre on March 25, 2019. While no further details have been provided as such, speculations are rife that the rumours regarding Apple News subscription services as well as TV streaming shall be confirmed finally.
A cryptic invitation, there is not much to go by except for an animated countdown and the tagline. Nevertheless, as the previous month has seen many speculations regarding the launch of something big by Apple towards the end of March, it seems justified to hope for the rumors to indeed be true.
Despite the anticipation for Apple News and TV streaming services, there is also the probability that Apple might instead be announcing some new hardware – a new budget-version iPad, revamped AirPods and AirPower wireless charging pad as well. There have also been speculations by some analysts that any time this year Apple will be announcing a 10.2inch iPad that would be replacing its 9.7inch iPad. The timing of the event seems perfect for the announcement of the new 10.2inch iPad as it can be used to provide a demo for the TV streaming and Apple News services as well. Only time will tell.
The new TV streaming service is believed to offer iPad and iPhone users access to some free original shows. This access will be provided alongside the option to register for various other streaming services, such as Showtime or Starz. While this service is expected to be launched in April-May, there will be no place for Hulu or Netflix on the same.
On the other hand, Apple News will have many subscriptions bundled up, in the form of a single combined monthly plan, from established news outlets. To be based on Texture or “Netflix for Magazines” app by Apple, this new Apple News will have all your news delivered to you on a single platform. As some publishers are not too keen on the terms offered by Apple for revenue sharing, some important names from the publications industry might be conspicuous by their absence at the launch.
The teaser by Apple is not the first time that it has indulged in such tactics. Apple had earlier used the tagline for a September 2006 event where Apple announced that it shall begin providing movies on iTunes, along with the first preview of the iTV. While it was initially named iTV, it was later to be renamed as Apple TV on its launch in the year 2007. Similar to 2006, the upcoming event on March 25 is also said to be focusing heavily on the offerings for the media houses.
The Apple Special Event will take place on March 25 at 10:00 and is to be held at the Steve Jobs Theatre at Cupertino.
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