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Apple Losing Over $1 Billion Annually on Streaming Service, Report Says

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Apple (AAPL.O) is reportedly losing more than $1 billion annually on its streaming service, Apple TV+, according to a report by The Information on Thursday. The tech giant has invested over $5 billion per year on content since launching the service in 2019 but has cut its content spending by approximately $500 million in the past year.

Apple TV+, known for original shows like “Ted Lasso,” “The Morning Show,” and “Severance,” has struggled to keep up with competitors such as Netflix (NFLX.O), Disney+ (DIS.N), and Amazon Prime Video (AMZN.O) in terms of subscriber count. While Netflix leads the pack with 301.63 million subscribers, Apple TV+ is estimated to have reached 40.4 million subscribers by the end of 2024, according to Visible Alpha analysts.

Despite its struggles, Apple TV+ has been recognized for its quality productions, earning over 2,500 nominations and 538 awards, as highlighted by CEO Tim Cook in a January earnings call. The company has also bundled Apple TV+ with services like iCloud and Apple Music through its Apple One program, and it is available as part of a bundle with Comcast’s Peacock and Netflix at a discounted price of $15 per month.

Amazon Prime Video Tests AI-Based Dubbing to Expand Global Reach

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Amazon Prime Video has launched a trial of AI-assisted dubbing for licensed movies and series, starting with English and Spanish language options. The service, which began on Wednesday, is designed to boost viewership and make content more accessible to a global audience. Initially, the feature will be available on 12 licensed titles that did not already have dubbing support.

With over 200 million customers worldwide, Prime Video is incorporating artificial intelligence to enhance the viewer experience. This is part of a broader trend where media companies, such as Disney’s ESPN network, are exploring AI technologies to improve content personalization and engagement. Disney, for example, is looking into using AI to tailor its “SportsCenter” recap show for younger viewers.

Netflix Sets Streaming Record with Christmas Day NFL Games

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Netflix made history on Christmas Day, setting a new record for the most-streamed NFL games in U.S. history, according to Nielsen. Nearly 65 million viewers tuned in to watch two highly anticipated matchups streamed exclusively on the platform.

The Baltimore Ravens’ win over the Houston Texans drew an average of 24.3 million viewers, while the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers attracted 24.1 million viewers. The Ravens-Texans game peaked during Beyoncé’s halftime performance, which brought in over 27 million viewers.

“Bringing our members this record-breaking day of two NFL games was the best Christmas gift we could have delivered,” said Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer. She credited the partnership with the NFL, the “wonderful on-air talent,” and the iconic performances by Beyoncé and Mariah Carey for the milestone.

These games marked the beginning of a three-year partnership between Netflix and the NFL to exclusively stream Christmas Day matchups.

The NFL wasn’t the only sports league celebrating on Christmas. The NBA also achieved notable viewership records. Its five-game Christmas Day lineup averaged 5.25 million viewers per game, the highest in five years, according to Nielsen.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ victory over the Golden State Warriors drew 7.76 million viewers, peaking at 8.32 million, making it the most-watched NBA regular-season game in five years. The New York Knicks’ win against the San Antonio Spurs, which opened the day, averaged 4.91 million viewers, marking the most-watched Christmas Day opener in 13 years.

Overall, NBA viewership on Christmas was up 84% compared to 2023, with games broadcast across Disney’s platforms, including ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, Disney+, and ESPN+.