- Apple is partnering with Bharti Airtel, India’s second-largest telecom operator, to boost its presence in the country’s growing content market and expand its user base for Apple TV+ and Apple Music.
- Apple will integrate its streaming services into Airtel’s offerings, aiming to reach Airtel’s 281 million subscribers, a move seen as a key step for Apple in a market where its streaming services have lagged behind competitors.
- This partnership aligns with Apple’s strategy in other markets where it bundles its services with telecom providers, and could accelerate the adoption of paid streaming services in India, as Airtel will reportedly pay Apple a lower per-user fee than current subscription rates.
Apple is making a strategic move to boost its presence in India’s burgeoning content market by partnering with Bharti Airtel, the country’s second-largest telecom operator. This collaboration marks a significant shift for Apple, which has primarily focused on manufacturing in India, and signals a new emphasis on expanding its streaming services, Apple TV+ and Apple Music.
This partnership is designed to tap into Airtel’s massive subscriber base of 281 million, a key audience Apple has struggled to reach in the past. By integrating its music and video streaming services into Airtel’s offerings, Apple hopes to gain a foothold in a market where competitors like Spotify and Disney have already established a presence.
Industry analysts see this move as a savvy strategy for Apple, mirroring its successful approach in other markets. By offering its services at no additional cost to Airtel’s premium users, Apple expects to attract a large user base and gain a competitive edge in India’s dynamic digital content industry.
While Apple has made inroads into India’s smartphone market, its streaming services have lagged behind. This partnership with Airtel could help bridge that gap, particularly as it aligns with Apple’s strategy in other markets where it has bundled its services with telecom providers.
Apple Music will be integrated into Airtel’s Wynk music app, offering a larger library of content, including Bollywood and regional-language music, to potentially engage the app’s user base. This move could accelerate the adoption of paid streaming services in India, as Airtel will reportedly pay Apple a lower per-user fee than current subscription rates.
Apple’s strategic move into India’s streaming market, fueled by this partnership with Airtel, holds significant potential to expand its reach, accelerate the growth of paid streaming services, and further solidify Apple’s position as a key player in the global digital content landscape.
What you should know
Apple Music is a music streaming service that brings a world of music to your fingertips. It’s Apple’s answer to Spotify and other popular streaming platforms, offering a vast library of songs, albums, playlists, and radio stations.
Think of it as a digital jukebox, but with millions of songs at your disposal. You can listen to your favorite artists, discover new music, build custom playlists, and even enjoy curated playlists based on your tastes.
Apple Music offers a seamless experience across all Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TV. It’s also available on other devices, such as Android phones and smart speakers.
The service offers a free trial, after which you can choose from different subscription plans, giving you access to features like ad-free listening, offline playback, and high-quality audio. Apple Music is more than just listening to music, it’s about discovering new artists, connecting with your favorite bands, and enjoying the magic of music on your own terms.
