By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla
Apple is gearing up for its first product announcement of 2019 and it isn't going to be hardware. While many are waiting for the revision to the AirPods or the elusive AirPower charger but it is likely that Apple will have a content announcement to make.
There have been abundant hints that Apple's streaming service is imminent. A lot of the news out of CES 2019 was TV manufacturers including AirPlay 2 which would ensure that the latest TVs and Blu-Ray players will be able to serve as conduits for Apple's streaming service without the need for an Apple TV. As iPhone and Mac sales slow down, Apple needs to ignite new revenue streams and now might be the right time to do it.
As Netflix's position is weakening with competition coming from all sides (and a lot of marquee movies and shows leaving the service), there might be a window for Apple's streaming service to steal some limelight.
Apple is banking on its reputation and cache to revolutionize streaming video the way iTunes disrupted the music distribution industry decades ago. Apple has a number of original shows in production, many with A-list starts and creatives that it hopes will create a new niche. A report from Bloomberg says that Apple will host an event on March 25 to launch their service and shows which will to live sometime in April or May.
Does Apple have what it takes to make a run in the content streaming market. Looks like we will find out soon enough.