Apple in deals to provide ad-supported Apple TV + solution to UK, US

Apple TV+ could soon offer a lower-cost tier supported by ads.
Apple is rumored have been in talks for a long time with ad agencies to bring advertising to Apple TV+. Although the service is currently ad-free, this may change — at least in Britain. The company has reportedly held discussions with UK-based Broadcasters Audience Research Board. Apple executives are said to be meeting with the group in order to explore additional data-collection methods needed to monitor advertising results. BARB currently provides viewing statistics for the four main UK networks: BBC, ITV and Channel 4. It also provides data on Fox-owned Sky. The organization also provides Apple viewing figures for Apple TV+ programs. Apple’s new meeting could indicate that it is preparing an ad supported tier for Apple TV+. Similar meetings with rating organizations in the US were held in 2022 but nothing came of them. Apple has already allowed limited advertising to be shown on its service. However, it is currently limited to live sporting events. Even Season Pass holders were able to see ads during last year’s Major League Soccer coverage. Apple TV+ is said to be less expensive after the company spent $20 billion on programming. Disney+ and Netflix have also attracted new subscribers with their lower-cost, ad supported tier offerings. Apple recently hired a former NBCUniversal advertising executive to join a team that includes other video advertising executives. Apple is likely to offer a lower cost option that includes advertisements alongside the current ad free tier in countries where this service is available.