While Apple and Amazon compete in the world of earbuds, smart speakers and streaming set-top boxes, the two tech giants are collaborating on the best streaming services. Later in October 2024, Apple TV Plus will be available through Prime Video as an add-on subscription for $9.99 per month (USD).
That’s the same price as a subscription to Apple TV Plus, but the addition to Prime Video is a significant one. Amazon’s streaming service and application already offer a wealth of native content, but the big appeal – and the company’s hope – is that it’s the one-stop shop for all your streaming needs. You can already add subscriptions for Showtime, Max or Paramount Plus, among others, so Apple TV Plus is a welcome addition.
Prime Video already has subscription add-ons for over 100 streaming services, so from a billing perspective it’s all done in one place and in one application. This means you don’t have to worry about downloading different apps when setting up a new TV or traveling. The big draw is that it’s all housed in Prime Video, giving you one destination where you can find the content you want and start streaming quickly… no matter who’s hosting it.
In the accompanying release, Apple’s SVP of Services, Eddy Cue, said: “We want to make Apple TV Plus and its award-winning library of shows and films from the world’s greatest storytellers available to as many viewers as possible.” Since Prime Video and Apple TV Plus are both available in a wide area, this seems more like convenience. For people who are already part of Amazon’s ecosystem, it could be easier to get subscribers to stream Ted Lasso, Shrinkor The Morning Show – if you’re new to Apple TV Plus, check out our seven top picks to get started on Apple TV Plus here.
Mike Hopkins, Senior Vice President and Head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios said in a statement: “As we continue to expand our offerings and make it easy for customers to personalize their streaming experience directly in one app, we are proud to support Apple welcome TV Plus and its popular and critically acclaimed shows, movies and events to Prime Video.” He also called Prime Video “a premier entertainment destination with a wide choice of premium programming,” both from Amazon’s own studios, streaming live events such as Thursday night footballand from partners like Apple TV Plus – and that makes us think about the future.
Could Prime Video prepare a bundle or super bundle?
We’ve seen countless bundles popping up in the world of streaming services – the ‘Mega Disney bundle gives you Disney Plus, ESPN and Hulu, while Comcast’s StreamSaver offers Netflix, Apple TV Plus and Peacock, but it’s only available to certain people. You can even get Disney Plus and Max together. Suffice it to say, it’s a messy space.
But with Apple TV Plus joining Prime Video as an add-on and Amazon clearly aiming to bring all the streaming services together in one place, redesigning the app so you can find the content you want when you want it all, while buffering and As we continue to leverage the power of its infrastructure and backbone – a tip to AWS – we have to wonder if a bundle, a series of bundles, or even a super bundle is in the offing.
Prime Video could offer a subscription at potentially any price – perhaps $15, $25 or $30 per month – that would give you access to the larger libraries of Apple TV Plus, as well as Max, Paramount Plus, Discovery Plus, Showtime and Stars. It might not be that far-reaching, but imagine bundling ‘Channels’ – the name Amazon calls its add-on streaming services – for an attractive price, all available in one app that’s on all major platforms. Pretty sweet.
There’s no guarantee this will be the case, but Amazon’s Prime Video remains one to watch as it brings more channels to the table in a move that seems aimed at increasing convenience and reducing confusion. Either way, it’s nice to see Apple TV Plus joining Prime Video, and you should be able to watch it Ted Lasso, catch a Thursday night football match, watch Messi on the MLS Season Pass and then maybe try the music show Schmigadoon!