Apple says iCloud+ now includes Apple TV and Arcade for no extra fee in 100+ countries, and Apple Music Select, offering ad-free radio stations, in some markets

Apple is automatically adding Apple TV and Apple Arcade to iCloud+ subscriptions in over 100 countries, providing more entertainment services at no extra cost.

Apple is integrating Apple TV and Apple Arcade subscriptions into its iCloud+ service at no additional cost for users in over 100 countries. This move signals a strategic shift for Apple's services growth, particularly in price-sensitive and developing markets, by offering a more compelling value proposition than its existing Apple One bundles. The expansion also marks the debut of the Apple TV service in 59 new territories. Additionally, some markets will receive Apple Music Select, a tier featuring ad-free radio stations, with an option for iCloud+ subscribers to upgrade to a full Apple Music plan at a discounted rate. The rollout is commencing this month and primarily targets regions outside the United States.

Apple's decision to bundle Apple TV and Apple Arcade into iCloud+ for over 100 international markets indicates a strategic pivot away from Apple One, especially in regions where consumers are more price-sensitive. This initiative is designed to accelerate the adoption of Apple's content services by lowering the barrier to entry, effectively using iCloud+ as a Trojan horse for broader service engagement. The inclusion of Apple Music Select further enhances this value proposition, creating a more integrated and attractive ecosystem for users in these targeted territories.

The broad rollout of Apple TV into 59 new countries alongside this iCloud+ integration suggests a concerted effort to significantly expand Apple's global media footprint. By leveraging existing iCloud+ subscriptions, Apple bypasses the need for separate service sign-ups, potentially capturing a larger subscriber base for its video and gaming content. This strategy could pressure competitors in these markets by offering a comprehensive entertainment package at a perceived zero marginal cost to existing iCloud+ customers.