Watch out, Apple TV+ now available in UAE

Apple TV+ comes armed with its own original content and backing of some of the entertainment industry's biggest names.

Service at Dh19.99 a month; free one-year access for purchases of major Apple products

By Alvin R. Cabral

Published: Fri 1 Nov 2019, 11:00 PM

Last updated: Tue 27 Dec 2022, 10:25 AM

Apple on Friday formally rolled out its new premium TV service, setting the stage for a new battle in the digital space that is continuing to spread among users seeking entertainment wherever they may be.

AppleTV+, while a late entrant into the category, aims to challenge established players, armed with its own original content and backing of some of the entertainment industry's biggest names, including celebrities Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Steve Carell, Jason Momoa and Oprah Winfrey, plus director Steven Spielberg.

The tech bellwether is continuing its push to diversify its reliance on its flagship iPhone. In its fourth-quarter financial results this week, Apple continued to enjoy success in other categories, most notably accessories and services.

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"Audiences in over 100 countries and regions can now enjoy Apple TV+, home to an all-original lineup of powerful shows and movies from today's greatest storytellers," Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice-president of Internet software and services, said in an Apple Newsroom release.

"It was important for us to make it easy for everyone to watch across all their favorite screens, so Apple TV+ is the most broadly available Apple service ever from day one."

The service is available within the Apple TV app on the iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, third-generation Apple TV (3rd generation), iPod touch and Mac. Minimum software requirements are iOS 12.3, tvOS 12.3 and macOS Catalina.

Over 100 countries and regions including the UAE now have access to Apple TV+, which features new and exclusive original shows, movies and documentaries from today's "most imaginative" storytellers.

Another key facet: Apple will be charging only Dh19.99 a month - that is after a one-month free trial upon signing up - undercutting industry leader Netflix, which starts at Dh29. Amazon Prime Video, meanwhile, charges Dh16 monthly.

And for good measure: For a limited period, customers who purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch will be given a free one-year subscription to Apple TV+ - that will be one offer per Apple ID and one subscription per Family Sharing group. Apple Music student plan subscribers will also get free access to Apple TV+ for a limited time.

Apple Originals on Apple TV+ include The Morning Show, See and For All Mankind, all of which have debuted their first three episodes and will release a new episode weekly every Friday. Additionally, all episodes of Dickinson, as well as kids and family shows Helpsters, Snoopy in Space and Ghostwriter, are available to watch now. Customers can also watch the documentary film The Elephant Queen, as well as the first installment of Oprah's Book Club, featuring Oprah Winfrey in conversation with Ta-Nehisi Coates discussing his novel The Water Dancer.

New Apple Originals debuting in the coming months include series Servant (November 28), Truth Be Told (December 6) and Little America, and movies Hala and The Banker.