Apple Teases Streaming 'See For Yourself' Event: Could This Be A Free Preview Of AppleTV+ Or Ad-Supported Platform?

Technology giant Apple Inc AAPL could have an exciting 2025 ahead, a year that could include something new for its AppleTV+ streaming platform.

What Happened: Apple is teasing that something special will happen for AppleTV+ on Jan. 4 through Jan. 5 with a tweet that says "stay tuned" with an image that says "see for yourself."

The dates listed – Jan 4 and 5 – happen to be a Saturday and Sunday, prompting rumors that Apple could be offering a free weekend preview of its content to non-subscribers.

Benzinga reached out to Apple for comment.

A report from Macrumors says speculation is that Apple will offer a free weekend preview of its content, but the post could also mean that it will just be showcasing a look at its upcoming TV shows and movies on those dates.

The report noted that Apple has never offered a free all-you-can-watch weekend event, which could show the importance of what the announcement truly means. AppleTV+ is $9.99 per month for up to six members with a free seven-day trial for new subscribers. Apple also offers a free three-month trial for people who buy new Apple devices.

The free trial often limits what content can be watched by non-subscribers.

Another possibility regarding the Apple post could be connected to a rumor earlier this year that the company could be launching an ad-supported version of its streaming platform, following the lead of Netflix and Disney.

Apple previously had a $4.99 monthly subscription price. At $9.99 per month, AppleTV+ is one of the cheaper ad-free plans and the company could use the January dates highlighted to launch the new ad-supported plan.

Why It's Important: Launched in 2019, AppleTV+ has a smaller library of movies and shows than larger streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+.

Apple is investing in growth for the platform with several blockbuster movies getting theatrical releases and then exclusively playing on AppleTV+. It is also investing in media rights for sports like Major League Baseball games and the exclusive rights to Major League Soccer.

Top shows on the platform include "Shrinking," "Silo," "Slow Horses," "Severance," "Ted Lasso" and "Bad Sisters," according to Apple.

A highly anticipated second season of "Severance" is set to premiere on Jan. 17 making the Jan. 4 and 5 dates an important event ahead of one of its top show's new seasons.

"Wolfs," which starred George Clooney and Brad Pitt, became the most watched movie in AppleTV+ history recently. The movie saw a limited theatrical release, which may have left money on the table, while providing a boost to streaming viewership figures and potentially an uptick in subscribers.

Apple traditionally premieres its films in theaters first, helping to recover some of its costs while ensuring the movies are eligible for award shows that require a theatrical run. In contrast, Netflix often premieres its movies on the streaming platform and rarely shows its movies in theaters.

Apple finds itself in a difficult place with the need to spend more on content to boost subscribers, but also having less to spend on movies and content due to a smaller subscriber base. With the parent company a cash cow, Apple may be able to maintain losses for its streaming business if it chooses to, but could also push for a larger focus on profits.

AAPL Price Action: Apple stock is down 2% to $253.38 on Friday versus a 52-week trading range of $164.08 to $260.09. Apple stock is up 37% year-to-date in 2024.

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