Apple+ streaming service details taking shape

Apple plans for service to go live in November, with free trial period.

Apple is reportedly setting itself up for a battle of the new streaming services this fall when it launches its upcoming Apple TV+ subscription TV service.

A report from Bloomberg cited “people familiar with the matter” as saying Apple intends on Apple TV+ going live in November, and costing $9.99 a month after a free trial period for subscribers. Apple takes a similar approach with its Apple Music service, giving subscribers three months of service for free before charging $9.99 a month.

Apple unveiled Apple TV+ at a company event in March that featured previews of several original programs. However, the company has publicly said only that Apple TV+ will launch this fall, and it hasn’t given any details about the service’s price.

Apple has recently begun efforts to boost interest in Apple TV+; on Monday, it released the first trailer for its program “The Morning Show,” a drama about what goes on behind the scenes at a TV network’s morning news show. It stars Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and Steve Carrell.

Luring such A-list talent isn’t cheap: Apple reportedly is digging into its pile of cash to pay for stars, and to build up the shows.

An Apple spokesperson said the company had no comment about possible prices for Apple TV+ or its content-spending plans.

Disney has set a Nov. 12 launch date for its Disney+ streaming service, which will cost $6.99 a month and debut with a catalog of thousands of Disney-owned titles. And Disney is throwing down the gauntlet at not only Apple, but streaming TV leaders Netflix and Amazon by also offering a package deal that includes Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu with ads, for $12.99.