One of the great milestones for humanity is how the American NASA took man to the Moon in 1969. The next step for the United States is the landing of a streaming platform in China. And exaggerated comparisons aside, the truth is that it’s not just anything and Apple TV+ comes very close. Something that, if it comes true, will allow them to be exposed to 200 million potential customers.
It is The Information, a media well known for its good sources, which reports in recent hours that Apple is negotiating the arrival of its streaming platform in China. The possible benefits you’ll get if you succeed are tempting, although the current environment suggests it won’t be easy by any means.
Chinese censorship, the big handicap for Apple TV+
Bringing any product or service to different territories is not easy because you have to adapt to the regulations of each of them. And if not, tell it to the Apple Card, launched by Apple in 2019 for the United States and which, after numerous rumors of arrival in Europe, has still not found partners to arrive with.
The case of streaming in China is even more complex due to the control that the government of the country exercises over the content. To which is added the strict obligation that they must collaborate with a Chinese agent. All this has made it difficult for a major player in the sector like Netflix or Apple TV+ itself to arrive in all these years.
And it won’t, because there can be no interest. Not in vain, China is one of the juiciest territories for Great technology. Just when it comes to Apple, over the last decade it has seen on average almost 20% of its annual revenues come from what they call “Greater China”, which also includes revenues obtained in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.
Apple is therefore now studying the possibility of landing in China with its television service. They wouldn’t do it alone and Apple Arcade could also be in the deal.
A golden opportunity with China Mobile
The other big hurdle Apple must overcome to reach China with Apple TV+ is having a native entity to support them. In The Information report, there is talk of a negotiation with China Mobile. It’s about China’s largest telecommunications company and it works throughout the country.
Also known by the acronym CMCC, the operator closed the year 2023 with almost 200 million customers divided between mobile telephony, broadband, television and combined customers. There are therefore 200 million potential Apple TV+ users, not to mention that the total Chinese population is 1.5 million citizens.
A thorough review of the catalog will be essential
In any case, it would not be strange to see other modifications. The App Store, recently the winner of a lawsuit in China, is the best example of this with the adaptation of its standards and content to adapt to government requirements.
This, yes, nothing is closed yet. As The Information confirms, negotiations with China Mobile are still ongoing and it is not clear where they stand. Along the way, they would also have to present this possible agreement to government entities and have them approved. The affair could therefore last a long time.
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