A PYMNTS Company

Apple and Paramount Global Explore Bundling Streaming Services

By  |  December 3, 2023

Tech giant Apple and entertainment conglomerate Paramount Global are reportedly in discussions to bundle their respective streaming services, Apple TV+ and Paramount+. According to a Friday report from the Wall Street Journal, the companies are exploring the possibility of offering a combined streaming package at a discounted rate, providing a more affordable option for viewers.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    Insiders familiar with the matter revealed that talks between Apple and Paramount Global are still in the early stages, and the exact details of the potential bundle remain uncertain. However, the report suggests that the combined offering would be priced lower than subscribing to each service individually, presenting a compelling value proposition for consumers seeking to manage the rising costs associated with various aspects of daily life.

    We’d love to be your preferred source for news.

    Please add us to your preferred sources list so our news, data and interviews show up in your feed. Thanks!

    Add as Preferred Source

    This potential collaboration between Apple and Paramount comes as streaming services are looking for innovative ways to attract and retain subscribers amid intensifying competition. Both companies are major players in the streaming industry, with Apple TV+ offering a diverse range of original content and Paramount+ boasting an extensive library of movies and TV shows, including popular franchises and classics.

    Read more: Apple Asks 9th Circ. To Stay Anti-Steering Injunction Pending SCOTUS Appeal

    The envisioned partnership aims to tap into the growing market of cost-conscious customers who are increasingly feeling the financial strain of escalating prices in various sectors, from consumer goods to electronics. By bundling their services, Apple and Paramount Global hope to create a more accessible entry point for viewers who may be hesitant to subscribe to multiple standalone streaming platforms.

    This move follows a trend in the industry, with Verizon reportedly planning to offer a combined package of ad-supported versions of Netflix and Warner Bros Discovery’s Max streaming services at a discounted rate. Last month, Reuters reported that Verizon’s offering could be priced around $10 a month, as opposed to the approximately $17 it would cost to subscribe to both services separately.

    Additionally, grocery delivery app Instacart recently announced a partnership with NBCUniversal’s Peacock, providing the streaming service at no extra cost to all of its paying U.S. subscribers. These collaborations signify a shift in the streaming landscape towards more inclusive and cost-effective options for consumers.

    Source: Reuters