Apple TV has stuck to a single ad-free subscription model, though the price for this subscription recently increased from $9.99 to $12.99/month. Peacock, on the other hand, offers ad-supported viewing for $10.99/month or ad-free plans for $169.99/year. The service also recently rolled out a more limited ‘Select’ tier for $7.99/month; it doesn't include the movie library, Peacock original series, and sports and other live events.
With this in mind, the Apple TV and Peacock Premium bundle, which costs $14.99/month, saves you around 35% over having the two subscriptions separately. The Apple TV and Peacock Premium Plus bundle, which removes ads from Peacock and adds the bonus of live NBC coverage, costs $19.99/month, saving you closer to 40%. Both bundle tiers are only available as monthly subscriptions.
Anyone who's subscribed to Apple One, which already includes Apple TV, can sign up for Peacock at the same 35% discount through their Apple account. As part of the bundle launch, existing subscribers may begin to see “samples” from the other service. For example, Peacock subscribers will get access to the first couple episodes of Silo, Foundation, and Slow Horses, while Apple TV subscribers will see some episodes from Love Island Games, Twisted Metal, and Law & Order.
What's the Pitch?
Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple TV, Apple Music, Sports, and Beats, made the following statement about the bundle's launch: “From acclaimed originals to can’t-miss live sports, the Apple TV and Peacock Bundle unites the best of entertainment in a simple and seamless experience.”
Apple TV, which recently ditched the plus sign, is best-known for 'prestige' original series like Severance, Silo, and The Studio (they seem to like the letter “S”). The service also seems to be building up its live sports offerings, having become the exclusive U.S. broadcaster for Formula 1. The MLS Pass is a separate subscription available through Apple TV, but the service just announced it will not be required for play-off games.
Peacock, on the other hand, really built its momentum off the NBC slate of sitcoms like The Office, Parks and Rec, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. The service also has a wacky spread of sports offerings, including the Premier League and a spread of NBA games. I don’t think it's a coincidence we’re seeing this bundle launching so soon after ESPN Unlimited, as it seemingly offers a cheaper alternative for more casual sports fans.
Blythe (she/her) is an SEO Coordinator at IGN who, when she isn't following streaming news, spends way too much time in character customization screens and tracking down collectibles.
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