Apple TV+ comes to Comcast STBs

Comcast has announced a distribution deal with Apple to bring Apple TV+ to its entertainment platforms in the US.

Apple TV+ will began its rollout on Xfinity X1, Xfinity Flex and XClass TV on Monday and will be available across all eligible devices in the coming days.

This comes after Apple agreed a deal with Comcast subsidiary Sky to launch its SVOD on Sky devices in the UK and Europe in December.

In the US from March 15-21, Apple will provide Comcast customers with access to the first seasons of shows like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show and the Tom Hanks-starring Greyhound for free with no sign-up or sign-in required. 

The company is also providing Xfinity customers with a three-month free trial of Apple TV+ when they sign-up via their Xfinity device by April 25.

Sam Schwartz, chief business development officer, Comcast, said: “With the launch of Apple TV+, our customers now have access to all of today’s most popular streaming services through our aggregated user experience and award-winning voice technology. By leveraging our global technology platform, our partners can distribute apps on one tech stack to reach tens of millions of viewers.”

Peter Stern, Apple’s VP of services, said: “Apple TV+ offers the highest quality programming from the finest creators in the world, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is on the big TV in your living room. Our work with Comcast lights up that experience for tens of millions of new devices, and we are thrilled that so many Comcast customers have a compelling way to enjoy their new favourite shows on Apple TV+.”

Apple will host its latest device launch event later today, where it is expected that the company will launch a new third-generation iPhone SE with 5G, along with new Mac and iPad devices. While the company is developing a closely-guarded AR/VR product, it is unlikely that this will be shown off or available until 2023.