Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Netflix and Amazon Video Absent from Apple's New TV App

Read MoreHide Full Article

During Apple Inc.’s (AAPL - Free Report) recent MacBook Pro-focused event, the company announced a new app for its Apple TV device, aptly titled “TV.” It aims to bring all of your current on-demand viewing platforms into one single place, no matter what device you’re watching on.

"We want Apple TV to be the one place to access all of your television," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in unveiling the service. "That's one place to access all of your TV shows and movies. One place to discover great new content."

“TV” will bring all of your favorite shows from all of your favorite subscription or free-to-view on-demand streaming services and merge them together. But there’s a catch: Netflix (NFLX - Free Report) and Amazon’s (AMZN - Free Report) Amazon Video are missing. Yes, you read that right: critically-acclaimed hit series like Stranger Things, House of Cards, and Transparent will not be available on Apple’s new app.

And, this move was not by accident, despite Netflix already being available on Apple TV. Netflix spokesperson Smita Saran told Wired that "I can confirm we are not participating and evaluating the opportunity." Amazon Video’s absence, however, is not as big of a surprise, as the streaming platform had never been previously offered on Apple TV.

Without Netflix and Amazon Video, arguably the two biggest video streaming options apart from Hulu, “TV” will most likely have a limited selection of streaming choices within it. On the bright side, though, it looks like “TV” will offer streaming platforms like the above-mentioned Hulu, CBS, Starz, Showtime, and HBO, so Game of Thrones fans can rejoice.

As of now, the “TV” app will only be available to U.S. customers as a free update for Apple TV, iPhone, and iPad owners. Apple offered no word on when the app will move overseas.

Interested in the other top stories of the week? Listen to Zacks Friday Finish Line to catch up on the week’s financial and investment news.

Stocks that Aren't in the News…Yet

You are invited to download the full, up-to-the-minute list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buys" free of charge. Many of these companies are almost unheard of by the general public and just starting to get noticed by Wall Street. They have been pinpointed by the Zacks system that nearly tripled the market from 1988 through 2015, with a stellar average gain of +26% per year. See these high-potential stocks now >>


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:


Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) - free report >>

Apple Inc. (AAPL) - free report >>

Netflix, Inc. (NFLX) - free report >>