Apple has not revealed what the current number of subscribers is for Apple TV+, but per Ampere Analysis (as cited by The Wall Street Journal) has stated that the service had 33.6 million users by the end of 2019 and Statista estimates the service hit 40 million by the end of 2020.
This number was bolstered by the fact that Apple gives away a year of free Apple TV+ with the purchase of new devices – in fact, Variety has reported that over three-fifths of subscriptions polled in their report were not paying for the service.
How many subscribers does each streaming service have?
• Netflix: 207.64 million
• Disney+: 100 million
• Amazon Prime Video: 52 million*
• HBO Max: 44.2 million
• Apple TV+: 40+ million
• Hulu: 39.4 million
• Paramount+: Under 36 million
• Peacock: 33 million*200 million people are subscribed to Amazon Prime, and by extension are also subscribed to the free add-on to that service, Amazon Prime Video. The streamer, however, has never revealed exactly how many of those users actually use their streaming perks. In 2018, around the time that Amazon Prime hit 100 million subscribers in the U.S., Reuters reported that 26 million users were using the video service. If that percentage has been maintained, Amazon Prime Video has around 52 million regular users.
MacDailyNews Take: As we’ve said before, interest in Apple TV+ will build and accelerate over time as Apple’s service basically started from a standing start. As shows grab awards and headlines, as the number of series and content builds up, and Apple ramps up promotion, the service will naturally grow subscribers thanks to the simple math of new devices being purchased, each with a potential free year of Apple TV+. This service was always destined to start slowly then build and build, gathering steam over time!
Keep in mind also, that “subscribers” above is a loose term. Think “viewers,” as some of these services offer free, ad-supported tiers and others, like Apple TV+, offer free trial periods.
It’s simple: Apple just needs to continue the promotion where customers who purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, or iPod touch can enjoy one year of Apple TV+ for free.
Apple TV+ is yet another incentive to buy an Apple device.
The type of confused customer who wonders, “Gee, should I buy a real iPhone or a fake one?” might opt for the real deal if they know they’re going to get a year of Apple TV+ free, especially when they’ve heard of a Jennifer Aniston / Reese Witherspoon series, and seen that and other Apple TV+ exclusive series and movies scooping up awards.
Apple should run this “Buy an Apple Device, Get a Year of Apple TV+ Free” promo for a few years at least, and keep extending it for current trail users, so that people can become invested in Apple TV+ series and top-line films and change their mind about paying $4.99/month so they can keep watching Ted Lasso et al.
Since the initial launch of Apple TV+ a year ago, Apple has amassed an impressive lineup of original programming. It’s obvious that the company has decided to focus on the usual: Quality over quantity. But, over time the quantity of quality content will build Apple TV+ into a content powerhouse. — MacDailyNews, January 22, 2021
Like the Lisa, Mac, iPod, iPhone, iPad, AirPods, etc., Apple TV+ exceeds expectations.
What specific expectations Apple fanboy?
• Netflix: 207.64 million
• Amazon Prime: 200 million • Disney+: 100 million • Amazon Prime Video: 52 million* • HBO Max: 44.2 million • Apple TV+: 40+ million
Variety estimates three-fifths are free subscriptions, only roughly 16 million paid at least and possibly LESS. After all the lavish spending on shows, movies and star power — that’s it for subscribers — after Apple sold 187m iPhones in FY20 and expected to sell over 220m in FY21?
Meh, not much to see here…
Yea, how many of them are real subscribers. Subtract out those still on free tier. Then subtract out the bundles where TV+ is thrown in and no one actually wants it… The number is far less.
As long as TV+ continues to be a woke’ist virtue fest with near zero entertainment that isnt shoving heinous woke laden crap into near every show, it will remain toxic to a large part of the US market. And as long as it tailors only to the woke, I’ll continue to root for it’s spectacular failure.
What sort of programming do you think would please everybody, since you apparently think it is your right to prevent people who do not share your tastes from access to programming they prefer?
What sort of programming Tex? The sort that aired before the pre pushing an agenda by the Left to normalize, shall we say, peculiar views, as they attempt to normalize them as the new norms and accepted by society. And that dates back a little further than the recent new found wokeness by the people of today who think they invented the movement. Hold my beer!
Perhaps regrettably, “your great-grandparents” are not in the key demographic for Apple TV+. They are not within the diverse population of 25 to 44-year-olds with high disposable incomes and the education to be computer-savvy cord cutters. What the TV Guide generation regarded as “shall we say, peculiar views,” like female authority figures, interracial romances, concern over government-sponsored violence, and sex outside traditional marriage does not require any “attempt to normalize them.” The overwhelming majority of Apple’s demographic already regard them as normal and would regard their absence as “pushing an agenda.”
If those notions offend you, do not subscribe to Apple TV+. Whether they offend you or not, stop suggesting that other people should not have access to programming on Apple TV+ that they enjoy, just because it offends you or your great-grandparents.
Snarky insult artist what offends me is your spreading lies and disinformation and then have the gall to tell someone what to do according to your woke MISINTERPRETATION. You can’t answer HONESTLY and TRUTHFULLY repeatedly — what’s your problem?…
I’m not telling you what to do. You can watch whatever regressive programming you like. Just don’t tell the majority of Apple customers who do not like that sort of show that they have to watch it or be “cancelled” for “wokeness.”
Indeed zombie, what’s worst than politically correct woke brainwashing crap is quality made quality politically correct woke brainwashing crap. After millions if not billions spent on programming, still a HOBBY…
I tried the trail of Apple TV and cancelled. A couple interesting shows but enough to pay even the low cost they charged. However, I also disagree with Timmy’s push for preaching-woke-tv and refuse to give my money to that &^%$h Oprah and the grifters from England.
Indeed chris, the last thing I want to pay extra for is one-sided REGRESSIVE woke brainwashing and indoctrination from Leftists with zero critical thinking skills and zero common sense. Oprah is dumb as a box of rocks and parrots slogans and talking points what the woke mobs tell her. Constitutional Patriots see right through ALL this crap and don’t give it the time of day…
Just a reminder to all the naysayers of Apple TV, you sound just like me when Steve Jobs introduced the iPod and iTunes. I lambasted Apple because it had nothing to do with Apple Computer with regards to being a computer or next gen enhanced OS. What a waste I decried. Fortunately for Apple, I was not in charge and Steve Jobs, once again, was skating to where the puck would be rather than where it is now and that was a good thing for Apple, the iPod/iTunes financial windfall and Apple’s stock.
Then there was the Apple iPhone. I don’t have to remind everybody of famous last words:
“Five hundred dollars, fully subsidized, with a plan?! I said, ‘That is the most expensive phone in the world! And it doesn’t appeal to business customers because it doesn’t have a keyboard!’” — Steve Ballmer, former Microsoft CEO
“The iPhone will not substantially alter the fundamental structure and challenges of the mobile industry.” He said the iPhone was “late to the party” and predicted rivals like Nokia would “attack” the iPhone by offering deals to carriers. — Analyst Charles Golvin, Forrester
“If it’s smart [Apple] will call the iPhone a ‘reference design’ and pass it to some suckers to build with someone else’s marketing budget. Then it can wash its hands of any marketplace failures… Otherwise I’d advise people to cover their eyes. You are not going to like what you’ll see.” —John C. Dvorak, tech columnist
“Is there a toaster that also knows how to brew coffee? There is no such combined device, because it would not make anything better than an individual toaster or coffee machine. It works the same way with the iPod, the digital camera or mobile phone: it is important to have specialized devices.” —Jon Rubinstein, former iPod engineer
“There’s no memory-card slot, no chat program, no voice dialing. You can’t install new programs from anyone but Apple…The browser can’t handle Java or Flash, which deprives you of millions of Web videos.” —David Pogue, The New York Times
“[The handset] can get warm with constant use, and you’ll need to wipe off smudges frequently with the included cloth. We’re still iffy about the software keyboard and predictive text entry: They work reasonably well, but overall text entry is still easier with a hardware keyboard, and the iPhone may not be the best choice for people who need to compose a lot of e-mail.” —PC World
AND MY ALL TIME FAVORITE…
“We’ve learned and struggled for a few years here figuring out how to make a decent phone. PC guys are not going to just figure this out. They’re not going to just walk in.” – Ed Colligan, Palm CEO, November 16, 2006
Apple Watch:
“It Took Apple Only 5 Years to Dominate this 265-Year-Old Industry. Here’s How It Happened In 2019, Apple’s smartwatch sold roughly 10 million more units than the entire Swiss watchmaking industry” — Inc, Jason Aten, February 10, 2020
’nuff said.
Apple TV
It’s success yet remains unseen, but given Apple’s track record with the iPod/iTunes, iPhone, Apple Watch and the naysayers before them, I wouldn’t count Apple TV out just yet because those that were laughing before, aren’t laughing now.
Imagine if Apple used about 10% of the money they spend on share buybacks to purchase more video content. It could likely increase the number of subscribers by 10 million and make the video streaming service much more popular. Apple can easily afford to spend much more money than they do now, but it seems Apple is more interested in quality of content to quantity of content. I’d like to see Apple double down on science documentaries and international dramas and movies, especially English-subtitled K-dramas. Apple should at least be able to jump past HBO Max.
My wife and I bought two iPads and a Mac and we were offered free subscriptions and didn’t take them up. Why? Woke…nah! Too many family friendly shows…maybe a bit! The real reason was that there wasn’t much on offer and there were better available alternatives, and that was despite the fact that we had to pay for the alternatives. In other words there was much more choice with the alternatives.
I’m sorry, the figures for Apple’s subscriptions have more rubber in them than a rubber plantation and are next to meaningless.