Apple Movies Won’t Be Coming to Theaters Anytime Soon

Apple has been making waves in the entertainment world with its growing platform, Apple TV+. But if you’re hoping to catch an Apple movie in theaters anytime soon, you might be waiting for a while. Unlike Netflix and Amazon, Apple seems in no hurry to release its original movies on the big screen. In this article, we’ll break down why Apple is making this move, what it means for the entertainment industry, and answer some of the most commonly asked questions about it.

Apple’s Approach to Original Content

Apple’s dive into producing its own shows and movies started with the launch of Apple TV+ in November 2019. While it has fewer shows and movies compared to rivals like Netflix or Disney+, Apple is all about quality over quantity. You’ve probably heard of The Morning Show or Ted Lasso, both major hits. And don’t forget CODA, which won the Oscar for Best Picture in 2022!

Even with these big successes, Apple isn’t rushing to release its movies in theaters. This decision stands out because, right now, many other streaming platforms are testing out theater releases alongside their online debuts. So, why is Apple sticking with an all-streaming approach?

Why Apple is Skipping Theaters

1. Focusing on Growing Apple TV+: Apple wants to boost its Apple TV+ subscriber numbers. By keeping its original movies exclusive to the platform, it gives people a reason to sign up. With so many streaming options out there, having exclusive content is a huge draw.
2. Apple’s Business Model: Unlike traditional movie studios, Apple makes most of its money through hardware (like iPhones and MacBooks) and subscription services (like Apple Music and iCloud). Theater releases aren’t a big money-maker for them, so they don’t have the same incentive as companies that rely on box office hits.
3. Keeping Content Exclusive: Apple likes to keep things in-house. If Apple released its movies in theaters first, it might lose some of the draw for Apple TV+. People could just watch the movie in theaters instead of subscribing to the service.
4. Avoiding Risks: Releasing movies in theaters comes with its own set of risks. Box office numbers can be unpredictable, and it costs a lot to market a theatrical release. By sticking to streaming, Apple avoids these risks and can focus on controlling the experience through Apple TV+.

How This Affects the Movie Industry

Apple’s decision to keep its movies on streaming only could change things for the industry in a few ways:

• Impact on Movie Theaters: If Apple decided to put its movies in theaters, it could bring in a lot of money, given the company’s huge resources and ability to make high-quality films. Without Apple movies in theaters, cinema chains are missing out on potential blockbuster hits.
• Changing How We Watch Movies: COVID-19 changed how a lot of us watch movies. More and more people prefer watching new releases from home rather than going to theaters. Apple’s strategy seems to lean into this trend, reinforcing that streaming is becoming the preferred way to watch movies.
• Awards and Recognition: Traditionally, movies had to be released in theaters to qualify for major awards like the Oscars. With the rise of streaming, this is changing. Apple has already proven that streaming-only movies can succeed, as shown by CODA winning big at the Oscars. Still, avoiding theaters could limit how Apple’s films perform in the long run at certain awards.

Will Apple Ever Release Movies in Theaters?

Right now, Apple seems focused on Apple TV+ and isn’t showing much interest in theaters. But that doesn’t mean it will never happen. The movie industry is always changing, and if theaters make a big comeback or if Apple sees a financial reason to get involved, we might see its films on the big screen eventually. For now, though, Apple TV+ subscribers will get to enjoy exclusive movies from the comfort of home.

Conclusion

Apple’s decision to skip theater releases makes sense when you look at their overall business strategy. They’re focused on growing Apple TV+ and keeping their content exclusive, which aligns with their larger goal of integrating everything into the Apple ecosystem. While this might limit their box office potential, it seems to be working for them so far. Whether or not this strategy will change in the future remains to be seen, but for now, Apple TV+ subscribers can enjoy some top-tier content without ever leaving the couch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why isn’t Apple releasing its movies in theaters like Netflix and Amazon?

Apple’s decision is part of a strategy to focus on growing its streaming service, Apple TV+. By keeping its movies exclusive to the platform, Apple can attract more subscribers and maintain its content’s exclusivity. Since Apple earns most of its revenue from hardware and subscriptions, it’s less dependent on box office revenue compared to other companies.

2. Could Apple’s decision to skip theaters hurt its chances at winning major awards like the Oscars?

While traditional rules required movies to be released in theaters to qualify for awards, this has been changing with the rise of streaming. Apple’s movie CODA, for example, won the Academy Award for Best Picture without a widespread theatrical release. So, while avoiding theaters might limit its exposure, Apple can still compete for top awards through streaming releases.

3. Will Apple ever release its movies in theaters in the future?

It’s possible, but for now, Apple seems focused on growing Apple TV+ and keeping its content exclusive to the platform. However, the movie industry is always evolving, and if the demand for box office releases grows or if there’s a strong financial incentive, Apple may eventually reconsider its current strategy.

Sources Bloomberg