Indeed, it is believed that this is the first time Apple has put its branding on a competitor’s hardware. “The thought that Apple, rather than create a device that’s going to replace Roku is now buying a button next to Netflix or next to Disney+ just shows you that as they get into the content business, they need to be everywhere.” Roku’s new remotes include a shortcut button for the Apple TV+ app along with buttons for Netflix, Disney+ and Hulu. “Nobody ever would have expected this,” Greenfield told The Post. Apple didn’t respond to requests for comment.Īpple’s Roku play is “shocking” development, and a signal that the iPhone maker has finally realized it “can’t just be within the walled garden of Apple,” said LightShed Partners analyst Rich Greenfield. The new remotes have also begun popping up at retailers including Best Buy, which early Wednesday was offering an Apple TV+-emblazoned remote with Roku’s new Express 4k+ Streaming Media Player, which is selling for $39.99.Ī Roku spokesman declined to comment.
Roku revealed the button on its website Wednesday morning without formally announcing it, showing a picture of its new remote that had easy-access buttons for Netflix, Disney+, Hulu - and Apple TV+. Jared Leto, Anne Hathaway and the crash-and-burn WeWork disasterĪpple TV+ is scrambling for new subscribers - and it’s quietly looking to an unlikely rival for help.Īpple’s struggling streaming service, which it launched in November 2019, has bought a button on the Roku remote - a surprise tie-up with the popular streaming-stick maker that Apple hopes will expand its customer base. Trailblazing Oscar winner Youn Yuh-jung on new show ‘Pachinko’
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