Apple TV+ launches as streaming war heats up

The streaming wars are heating up as Apple releases its platform designed to compete against Netflix and Amazon.

Apple TV+ launched on Saturday, featuring an array of exclusive original content, including Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon's The Morning Show and a new programme from Oprah Winfrey. Jason Momoa also has a show about a future where the population has been rendered blind by a virus.

There are eight shows and one documentary to start with, but it promises new content each month.

Anyone can sign up and watch the programmes online, but those with Apple devices can also download the specific application. That is also available on some smart TVs.

A seven-day free trial is available that renews into a monthly subscription of NZ$8.99.

Apple's foray into the market comes in the same week HBOMax showcased the large library it will launch next year, with DC and the Game of Thrones franchises at the centre of Warner Bros' streaming expansion.

Disney+ will launch later this month, with five categories of content - Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and National Geographic. 

Newshub.