5 ms·

Maybe I’m confused, but aren’t these two different things? As the OP stated, any streaming provider can have an app on Apple TV (ESPN, Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazo

by Fezzik 5y ago

Maybe I’m confused, but aren’t these two different things? As the OP stated, any streaming provider can have an app on Apple TV (ESPN, Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon, Peacock, etc…) while some providers may also negotiate deals to be more prominently integrated in to the Apple TV ecosystem and/or distributed/upsold through the Apple TV+ bundle. I think they are mutually occurring circumstances… or maybe I am totally misunderstanding the arrangements Apple has with streaming services.

scarface74 5y ago
You are right. The TV app is a centralized place that keeps tracks of all of the shows you watched across providers. It’s an application on the AppleTV and other iOS devices. Those are the “deals” that the original poster linked to.
pfranz 5y ago
You're right that anyone can make an app and that's separate from integration with system-wide search and the TV app, but when you make an app Apple has a bunch of restrictions over signup, the language you use around signup, and Apple gets a cut. Over the years there has been drama between Netflix and Apple over it (and Spotify and Amazon Prime Video). I think it's mostly been resolved, but Apple wants apps to integrate more deeply but it sounds like it needs to convince these companies to do it one at a time. https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/1/21203630/apple-amazon-prime-video-ios-app-store-cut-exempt-program-deal https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/1/21203630/apple-amazon-prim...
- scarface74 5y ago
  Apple only gets a cut if you go through them for in app purchases. Content providers do not have to offer in app purchases and many don’t. There has always been an exception for apps that only allow you to view content.
  - pfranz 5y ago
    Right, restrictions over signup. It's also a weird, ill-defined line for "viewing apps," too. As we saw with Hey last year, you can't tell them to go to the website to sign up and you can't just have an app that does nothing if you don't signup, either. Amazon chose to avoid this fight with Kindle years ago and everyone I talk to is confused why they can't buy books from their iPhone/iPad. Mostly because Amazon can't tell them. The point is these are all oddball, Apple-imposed hoops that affect these companies from running their business. Even though they're spelled out and relatively consistent, it's relevant if you're claiming Roku is more heavy-handed than Apple.
    - scarface74 5y ago
      In the context of streaming apps, there is no inconsistency. Are people really confused by having to go to a website to sign up? There is a huge difference between having to follow one rule and submitting your app to the store and being required to make a revenue and ad sharing deal. The proof is in the pudding. Every streaming service has always supported iOS from day one. Then you hear “we are still waiting to make a deal with Roku”.

by Fezzik 5y ago

scarface74 5y ago

You are right. The TV app is a centralized place that keeps tracks of all of the shows you watched across providers. It’s an application on the AppleTV and other iOS devices. Those are the “deals” that the original poster linked to.

pfranz 5y ago

You're right that anyone can make an app and that's separate from integration with system-wide search and the TV app, but when you make an app Apple has a bunch of restrictions over signup, the language you use around signup, and Apple gets a cut. Over the years there has been drama between Netflix and Apple over it (and Spotify and Amazon Prime Video). I think it's mostly been resolved, but Apple wants apps to integrate more deeply but it sounds like it needs to convince these companies to do it one at a time. https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/1/21203630/apple-amazon-prime-video-ios-app-store-cut-exempt-program-deal https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/1/21203630/apple-amazon-prim...

scarface74 5y ago
Apple only gets a cut if you go through them for in app purchases. Content providers do not have to offer in app purchases and many don’t. There has always been an exception for apps that only allow you to view content.
- pfranz 5y ago
  Right, restrictions over signup. It's also a weird, ill-defined line for "viewing apps," too. As we saw with Hey last year, you can't tell them to go to the website to sign up and you can't just have an app that does nothing if you don't signup, either. Amazon chose to avoid this fight with Kindle years ago and everyone I talk to is confused why they can't buy books from their iPhone/iPad. Mostly because Amazon can't tell them. The point is these are all oddball, Apple-imposed hoops that affect these companies from running their business. Even though they're spelled out and relatively consistent, it's relevant if you're claiming Roku is more heavy-handed than Apple.
  - scarface74 5y ago
    In the context of streaming apps, there is no inconsistency. Are people really confused by having to go to a website to sign up? There is a huge difference between having to follow one rule and submitting your app to the store and being required to make a revenue and ad sharing deal. The proof is in the pudding. Every streaming service has always supported iOS from day one. Then you hear “we are still waiting to make a deal with Roku”.