Apple TV Plus offers CBS All Access and Showtime in a discounted bundle - Android

Apple TV Plus just became decidedly more tempting as a service — even if you don’t intend to watch the service itself. Apple and ViacomCBS have unveiled (via Variety) a “two-for-one” deal that gives Apple TV Plus subscribers both CBS All Access and Showtime for an additional $10 per month.

It’s a significant bargain. While you will have to pay $5 per month for Apple TV Plus and use the Apple TV’s channels feature, the combination is more affordable than paying for All Access and Showtime by themselves — they normally cost a total of $21 per month when you sign up separately, while the new combo is available for $15.

The move gives you access to a wide range of shows, including streaming-only series like Central Park and Star Trek Discovery as well as broadcast-oriented productions like SpongeBob SquarePants and Billions. Apple TV Plus is available on Apple devices as well as Amazon Fire TV hardware, Roku players, and smart TVs from LG and Samsung. Sony and Vizio sets will support the service later in the summer.

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It’s no secret why Apple and ViacomCBS are partnering on a deal like this: they’re both facing intense competition. They’re small relative to streaming mainstays like Amazon and Netflix, and this may help them fare better than they would on their own. CBS All Access is facing particularly high pressure as it expands to better compete with HBO Max and NBCUniversal’s Peacock.

This is Apple’s first bundle, but might not be its last. The iPhone maker is reportedly preparing a set of “Apple One” bundles that would combine in-house services at a discount, such as Apple Music and Apple TV Plus. The company appears determined to boost its service numbers by whatever means necessary, even if it means treating Apple TV Plus more as a bonus than a central feature.