Apple bundles Apple TV+ and Arcade into iCloud+ for select markets
Apple is integrating its Apple TV+ streaming service and Apple Arcade gaming service into its iCloud+ subscription offering. The change covers over 100 countries but excludes major markets like the US and China.
Apple has begun bundling its Apple TV+ streaming service and Apple Arcade gaming service into its iCloud+ subscription offering. The rollout, which began in September, impacts over 100 countries but notably excludes major markets such as the United States, mainland China, Japan, and many European nations.
Under the new structure, iCloud+ subscribers gain access to Apple TV+'s original content library and the Apple Arcade game collection at no additional cost. This applies across all iCloud+ plan tiers, starting with the basic 50GB option. Users can also share their iCloud storage and these bundled services with up to five family members through Apple's Family Sharing feature.
Standalone subscriptions for Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade will no longer be available for new customers in the affected regions. Additionally, new sales of Apple One bundles will cease in these markets, though existing Apple One subscribers can continue with their current plans. The integration also expands Apple TV+'s global availability to 59 new territories.
Apple has not provided a specific reason for the selective market approach. The company stated the move aims to deliver Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade as "one convenient subscription" within iCloud+. Industry observers suggest this strategy might be intended to boost iCloud+ adoption and strengthen the Apple ecosystem's appeal in the targeted regions.