Apple is reportedly facing substantial financial losses on its Apple TV+ service due to the high costs associated with producing premium films and TV shows for streaming. According to a paywalled report by The Information, the tech giant is hemorrhaging over $1 billion annually due to its heavy investment in original content. Despite efforts in 2024 to curb spending, Apple only managed to reduce costs by approximately $500,000, bringing the yearly expenditure down to $4.5 billion from the $5 billion it had been spending since launching Apple TV+ in 2019.
The quality of Apple TV+'s original programming is undeniable, earning high praise from both critics and audiences alike. Shows like *Severance*, *Silo*, and *Foundation* are not only critically acclaimed but also visually stunning, reflecting Apple's commitment to excellence rather than budget constraints. This dedication to quality content is evident in the critical acclaim these shows have received. *Severance*, recently renewed for a third season following the success of its Season 2 finale, boasts an impressive 96% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. *Silo* follows closely behind with a 92% score, while the newly premiered *The Studio*, a meta-comedy led by Seth Rogen, has garnered an exceptional 97% critics score after its debut at SXSW. Other hits such as *The Morning Show*, *Ted Lasso*, and *Shrinking* further solidify Apple TV+'s reputation for top-tier entertainment.
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This focus on quality content seems to be paying off, as evidenced by the addition of 2 million new subscribers to Apple TV+ last month during the run of *Severance*, according to Deadline. While the service is currently operating at a loss, Apple's overall financial health remains robust, with the company generating $391 billion in annual revenue for its fiscal 2024. This strong financial position suggests that Apple will likely continue its investment in high-quality content for Apple TV+ in the foreseeable future.