Apple TV+: Show line-up, cost and everything else you need to know about the streaming service

Apple has been tussling with the idea of remaking TV in the same uber-successful minimal vein as it has done for computers, music players, and phones for some time now. After it first made public the "iTV" streaming box in 2006 (which was eventually renamed to Apple TV in 2007), its inimitable co-founder Steve Jobs revealed in his official autobiography in 2011 shortly after his untimely passing that he had "finally cracked it" and that the company was on its way to create an "integrated television set that's completely easy to use".

About 13 years since that pronouncement, on 25 March 2019, Apple unveiled its most ambitious plans yet at its expansive Cupertino site: a streaming service with Apple-produced original television shows and films. On 2 November, the service finally launches in Singapore. Here's all you need to know about the new streaming service ahead of the launch.

Apple TV+

Apple TV+ has enlisted some of film's greatest visionaries to bring some of the best stories ever told right into the iPhone in your hands. The service is also ad-free, which means uninterrupted binge-watching through the night. That's not all; the best part has to be its unbeatable price. At just $6.98 a month, you and six other family members get enjoy productions by outstanding filmmakers such as Steven Spielberg, Sofia Coppola, M. Night Shyamalan, Ron Howard, and Damien Chazelle.

Here's a list of original Apple-produced shows to watch out for.

Morning Show

A-list actresses Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston have paired up with comedian Steve Carrell to create Morning Show, an honest behind-the-scenes look at broadcast newsrooms.

See

Aquaman's Jason Momoa and Alfre Woodard will star in See, an atmospheric post-apocalyptic series where survivors are rendered completely blind.

Little America

Comedian Kumail Nanjiani has created Little America, an anthology series of immigrant stories that remind all of us that we are all more alike than different.

Helpsters

One of the most beloved kid's shows, Sesame Street will see a spin-off called Helpsters that will introduce coding to preschoolers.

Little Voice

Director JJ Abrams and singer-songwriter Sarah Bareilles have joined forces for Little Voice, an episodic series that centres around a young woman trying to make it as a musician in New York City.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is hoping to "illuminate consciousness through compelling conversations with people from all walks of life" through two upcoming documentaries: Toxic Labor shines the spotlight on sexual abuse in the workplace while a currently untitled documentary takes a closer look at the mental health crisis that's sweeping the world. She will also lead live-stream conversations with authors who have been featured as part of her long-running Book Club.

Rating

A majority of the shows will likely receive kid-friendly ratings as Apple wanted to ensure the service provides a safe entertainment experience for all.

Release format

Exclusive originals such as Morning Show will become available on 2 November. All-new originals will be added each month.

Compatibility

The service is available across all Apple devices and selected smart TVs. Those who purchase a new iPhone, iPad, iTouch, Apple TV or iMac after 10 September 2019 will be eligible to receive one year free subscription of Apple TV+.

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Apple News

Created about three years ago, Apple News has now been expanded and renamed as Apple News+. It will include about 300 magazines across a broad range of topics: entertainment, fashion, politics, lifestyle, travel and just about anything under the sun you can possibly think of. Apple News+ will also elevate the reading experience with moving covers that come alive to draw readers in. Beautifully laid out print pages will also be reflected on-screen so that each magazine's distinct look and feel remains true to its art direction and aesthetic.

Cost: The first month is free. Subsequent months cost $9.99 per month with family-sharing at no extra charge.

Availability: The service is available today in the U.S. with Canda and Europe following later this year. No news yet on when Apple News+ will be available in Singapore.

Apple Pay

Conceived with the vision to replace the pocket-busting wallet, Apple Pay has racked up more than 10 billion transactions in 2019. On top of expanding its use on public transportation networks, Apple has partnered with Goldman Sachs and Mastercard to introduce an all-new credit card simply titled, Apple Card.

Hoping to upend the traditional (read: financially fraught) experience of credit cards, Apple Card's people-first approach extends from its design to its flexible interest structure. Sign up for it on your iPhone and you'll get to use it in minutes wherever in the world Apple Pay is accepted.

Stowed away in the wallet app, it tracks all kinds of financial data to put your mind at ease. That means you get to see how much you owe, when payments are due, and how much you've spent in an instant. Waiting on hold when calling your bank's customer service helplines is also over because, with the Apple Card, you'll get the help you need through iMessage just like texting a friend. What's more, you'll get cashback daily. Real cash that you can do anything with. If Apply Pay is not accepted, you'll get to flex a titanium card that's laser-etched with just your name.

Cost: No late fees, annual fees, and international fees. Flexible interest structure depending on how much you spend and when you pay.

Availability: Currently only available in the U.S.

Apple Arcade

Games like Angry Birds draw half a billion people to the App Store each week, and that number is set to increase exponentially with Apple Arcade, a gaming subscription service in partnership with the finest talents in the gaming industry.

With a new dedicated tab on the App Store, Apple Arcade will feature more than 100 new and exclusive games that span the gamut of visual and interactive gameplay. New games will be added constantly so that the goldfish attention span of yours doesn't fizzle out. Better yet, you'll get to play anywhere whether there's Wi-fi or not. All of this without any ad interruptions and additional purchases.

Cost: No additional charge for family-sharing.

Availability: Now on App store with latest iOs update