Apple is supposedly mulling over the idea of launching a low-cost Apple TV dongle to provide access to its upcoming subscription based streaming service, similar to the likes of the Amazon Fire Stick and Google Chromecast, reports The Information.
The new Apple-designed dongle would be plugged into the back of a television set to provide viewers access to a watered-down version of tvOS. Apple’s Netflix-competing subscription based streaming service is expected to arrive as early as March 2019, with numerous reports suggesting Apple is creating shows featuring stars such as Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and Steve Carell.
If Apple were to launch an Apple TV dongle the product is reported to be priced cheaper than the current Apple TV which retails from $179 for the Apple TV 4K and $149 for the non-4K model. Dongles from Amazon and Google are priced between $25 to $35 in the US, but it’s unknown how low Apple would be willing to sell the new stick.
The hardware would presumably plug in to USB or HDMI ports on modern televisions. Rumors suggest alongside the launch of Apple’s streaming service the company may also introduce a bundle which for a monthly fee allows users access to Apple Music, the new TV service and a paid Apple News subscription to allow for a fully unlimited reading experience.