Apple TV+ is not yet available to watch in China
0 Facebook x.com Reddit
Apple is reportedly in talks with China Mobile to bring Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade.
It's currently not possible to watch Apple TV+ shows in China, either through Apple itself or through agreements in France and India, for example, that bundle the service with other streamers. It's also impossible to get Netflix, Disney or any non-Chinese streamers in the country, although a limited number of individual shows or movies are produced by other firms.
However, according to The Information, in 2023, Apple began negotiations to provide the full Apple TV+ service in China through China Mobile. The company has more than 200 million broadband customers, so it already pays for various TV services through its Mobile HD set-top box.
It is unclear whether negotiations are ongoing. However, it is believed that in addition to Apple TV+, the deal may also include the delivery of Apple Arcade to China.
Neither Apple nor China Mobile commented on the situation. But it is believed that viewers of China Mobile customers will be able to get Apple TV+ for a monthly fee, and that the revenue will be split somehow between the two companies.
In March 2024, Tim Cook visited China and said that the country was still vital to Apple. He spoke specifically about the manufacturing supply chain and its importance to the iPhone.
But the emergence of a service such as Apple TV+ in the country will significantly expand the reach of its audience. This could also potentially come under criticism as relations between the US and China continue to be poor.
Apple has already come under fire for allegedly advising Apple TV+ makers not to defame China. The Trouble with Jon Stewart was reportedly canceled in part because the comedy documentary wanted to show China.
If Apple TV+ were offered by China Mobile, it would reportedly be exclusively through the company's Mobile HD set-top box. So it's unclear whether Chinese iPhone users will be able to watch videos.
Follow AppleInsider on Google News.
