Technology giant Apple is reportedly planning a foray into making original television programmes and movies, amid a decline in iPad and iPhone sales.
The move could see the tech giant become a major player in Hollywood, with the goal being to offset revenue decline.
Apple’s original content will be made available to subscribers of its $10-a-month streaming-music service, according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal.
Apple Music already has a limited number of documentary-style segments on musicians, but lacks the premium programming the company is considering to enter.
To purchase rights to scripted television programs, the company has been in discussions with veteran producers in recent months.
Apple has also held talks with experienced marketing executives at studios and networks, with the company reportedly looking to hire individuals experienced in content promotion.
Apple could look to take on the likes of Netflix.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that Apple had dropped hints to executives that it is contemplating offering original movies, besides TV.
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The company’s executives have told people in Hollywood that they expect to begin providing original scripted content by the end of 2017.
Apple’s entry into original television and films could mark a major change in strategy, with the firm emerging more as a media company.
In January last year, Financial Times reported that Apple Music has hit the 10 million subscriber milestone for its music streaming service within six months, a number which took its rival Spotify almost six years to reach.
After launching in more than 100 countries in June, the service quickly became popular.
Spotify hit the 10 million subscription milestone in 2014, with the company having 40 million active users in 56 markets.
