The March event will be Apple’s first event of the year and is expected to introduce a new TV & movie streaming service and a news subscription service.
Apple News & Magazine Subscription Service
Apple is expected to launch a US$9.99 per month news service that would give users unlimited access to articles from paywalled sites like The Wall Street Journal. The service will also include a magazine service based on Texture, the magazine app that Apple bought in 2018.
A number of publishers have balked at Apple’s terms which are believed to include a 50% cut of subscription revenue with the remainder split between publishers.
Apple Streaming TV & Movie Service
Apple is also expected to announce a streaming TV & Movie subscription service including original TV shows and movies that it has in development.
Apple is also believed to be planing to allow its customers to sign up for other services like Showtime & Starz from the TV app and offer channel bundles as part of the service.
No pricing has yet been leaked for the service and as much of the content is still in development it is not expected to launch immediately.
Release of iOS 12.2
The release of iOS 12.2 is expected after the event. There are references to the new Apple News Subscription Service in the beta of the software.
iOS 12.2 also includes new emoji and HomeKit support for third party TVs.
What about hardware?
Apple has been releasing lots of hardware updates quietly by press release over the last week including iPad mini, iPad Air, new 4K & 5K iMacs and updated AirPods with Wireless Charging Case.
The are still rumours of the release of an updated iPod touch and the belated release of AirPower wireless charging pad but these could be released quietly by press release post event.
How can I watch It’s show time?
Apple will live stream the event on its website and through the Events app on the Apple TV.
What time is the event in Australia?
The “It’s show time” event will be streamed on the morning of the 26th of March in Australia at the following times:
- 4:00 am (AEDT) – Victoria, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory.
- 3:30 am (ACDT) – South Australia.
- 3:00 am (AEST) – Queensland.
- 2:30 am (ACST) – Northern Territory.
- 1:00 am (AWST) – Western Australia.
