Last week Patently Apple posted a report titled "After years of losses, Apple is trying to rein in their Hollywood Spending." With subscriber growth being week, it's now being reported that Apple is considering a new tier with advertising. Another excuse to raise their premium price, again.

Today a new rumor has surfaced stating that Apple is in discussions with the U.K. Broadcaster’s Audience Research Board, or BARB, according to the The Telegraph. The reason for these meetings is to explore additional data-collection techniques, as the organization possesses viewing figures for Apple TV+ programming.

This development suggests Apple may join other rival streaming services in incorporating ads. In March, Apple hired Joseph Cady, a former NBCUniversal advertising exec, to bolster its advertising division. Apple has previously sold advertising spots during its Major League Soccer coverage, with some costing up to $4 million.

Netflix is flourishing with its cheaper ad-supported tier and plans to debut new ad tech in Canada first. The most recent quarter for Netflix saw a 34% surge in subscribers for the cheaper ad tier.

Between stretching out  new series on a weekly basis and now considering an ad-based tier, the dream of streaming has failed and is now simply trying to mirror traditional TV.

Archive: Apple TV News