Apple is planning to take films including Hala, The Banker, On the Rocks, and The Elephant Queen into theaters later this year, according to Variety. Apple TV+ customers will have to wait.

Apple enters film business
If you had expected that a subscription to Apple TV+ would secure you priority access to the company's new content, think again. Like Amazon, Apple wants select films to premiere in theaters first.

That is according to Variety. The report claims that Apple will be bringing  Hala, The Banker, and The Elephant Queen to theaters this year and that the company is hoping to bring On the Rocks to theaters in spring 2020. Apple has not commented on the report.

The films will premiere in theaters weeks before they debut on Apple TV+, according to the sources. Apparently the first titles this year will have a limited theatrical run in smaller theaters in the US but Apple is in discussions with the trade group (NATO) representing major cinema chains.



Despite heavy resistance, even Netflix has started releasing some of its films in theaters ahead of the streaming debut, in order for its titles to qualify for prestigious awards such as the Oscars - the rules mandate a theatrical run. 

 Also read: 10 new Netflix films to premiere in theaters before streaming

It seems likely that Apple's move has more to do with this factor than the extra revenue.

Apple TV+ launches November 1 for $5 per month (€5/month in Europe) in over 100 countries.

- Source: Variety