Apple TV+ could amass 100M subs in 3-4 years – analyst

Apple TV+, the company’s upcoming subscription video streaming service, could close in on Netflix-like subscriber totals in just a few years following its launch.

That’s according to analyst firm Wedbush, which said that Apple’s approximately 900 million iPhones active worldwide means that Apple TV+ could attract 100 million subscribers within three to four years. The firm also said that Apple TV+ could "disrupt" about 10% of Netflix’s target customer base in 12 to 18 months.

Netflix ended the second quarter with 151.5 million paid streaming memberships worldwide. The company, which is reporting earnings next week, expects to add another 7 million subscribers in the third quarter.

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Apple TV+ launches Nov. 1 and will cost $4.99 per month. But customers who purchase new iPhones, iPads or Apple TVs will get one year of the service for free. The service will launch in more than 100 countries. Up to six family members can share one Apple TV+ subscription.

Originals available at launch include previously announced series “The Morning Show” and “Dickinson.” Apple didn’t talk about any licensed titles that it will add to its service, unlike competitors including Disney+ that will launch with lots of library content. At launch, most Apple TV+ series will premiere with three episodes, with one new episode to roll out each week, while full seasons of some series will be available all at once.

Apple TV+ will require the Apple TV app, which has begun to expand its availability. Smart TVs from Samsung, Vizio, LG and Sony are getting support for AirPlay 2, which means that iPhone and iPad users will be able to stream content from the devices directly to their big screens. Apple also said that it is launching its TV app on Amazon Fire and Roku devices in the future.