So, on the March 25th event, Apple announced its upcoming services. Apple already has multiple services, ranging from AppleCare, iCloud, and Apple Music. But this time, Apple has gotten into new territory. Today I’ll be discussing the new releases as well as speculate on Apple’s strategy here.
So first, Apple released its news and magazine subscription service, Apple News+. Basically, Apple now offers means to access news and magazines digitally, right on your devices for $9.99 a month. Also, this is the only service already available and if you want to get it, just update to the latest firmware and you’ll get a 1 month free trial.
Ready to play? It’s time for Apple Arcade. It’s another service, this time focused on gaming. Apple has joined forces with “the world’s most innovative” game developers to create really cool-looking games. This’ll come out this fall, and although I might not play these games myself, I really appreciate that these artists get a chance to show their creativity and love in such an amazing and interactive format.
Side Note: the Apple Arcade works differently from Google’s Stadia. Stadia is streaming, this still requires downloads so it can be played offline, but to access it you will pay a flat monthly fee.
Next, we have the Apple Card. Simply put, it’s a credit card made by Apple, joining with Goldman Sachs. I have to say, the laser etched Titanium card looks amazing.
I’m really aboard with the idea of having your wallet in your phone. It’s definitely something nobody expected a decade ago and today it is going strong.
Finally, we have the main show. Apple TV+. In the really interesting Keynote, various celebrities came up on stage, from Steven Spielberg, Jason Momoa, to Oprah Winfrey. Basically, Apple TV+ is a streaming service, a platform for filmmakers to share their creativity, just like Netflix/Hulu/Amazon Prime Video. Still, I’m interested in what this can bring to the table.
Okay, so the big question. Why is Apple doing this? So, maybe you’ve heard that iPhone sales aren’t doing so well, a reason why Apple is increasing its prices. Basically, less and less people are updating to the latest iPhones, instead reselling or buying used iPhones.
At first you might see this as a bad thing for Apple. A really, really bad thing. But then you realise they are actually encouraging this. The reason? Software, not hardware.
These services mark a new beginning for Apple. Th old Apple is dead, long live the new Apple. As long as Apple devices are used, you will still be paying Apple some way. Maybe through App Store purchases, ads, or one of these services. These services weren’t designed to draw new iPhone customers, iPhones are designed to draw services customers.
Services are meant to be the future. Now we can just sit back, press a few buttons on our phones, desktops, or laptops, and watch the future come to us. Or maybe not.
This brings us to the last part, and that is the cancellation of AirPower. Though it technically hasn’t even been released or failed yet, the AirPower wireless charging mat is sadly dead. It shows where technology may fail, where reality takes a back seat while the spectacle drives the hype to the grave. As always, reality catches up.
Anyway, that suddenly went really dark and depressing, but don’t let that get you down. I might be starting yet another category of Random Monday, “Shower Thoughts” as per my friend’s idea/advice. Anyway, enjoy the rest of the week, guys and girls, and that is an exit.
P.S. Go subscribe to Pewdiepie if you haven’t. Don’t know why I haven’t mentioned this but yeah. Basically it’s some Swedish guy fighting a war with an Indian corporation. Sounds real weird when you put it like that…
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