Apple Bundles Streaming Services into iCloud+ in Israel

Apple is significantly altering its service pricing model in Israel by bundling Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade into its iCloud+ subscription at no additional cost. This new offering applies even to the most basic iCloud+ plan, which provides 50GB of cloud storage for NIS 3.90 per month. Previously, Apple TV+ cost NIS 25.90 monthly and Apple Arcade cost NIS 17.90, meaning services that together amounted to NIS 43.80 are now included in the entry-level cloud plan.

This change represents a substantial saving for consumers, potentially up to NIS 43.80 per month or approximately NIS 526 annually for those who subscribed to all services separately. Apple TV+ features original content like "Ted Lasso" and "Severance," while Apple Arcade offers over 200 ad-free games playable across Apple devices. Additionally, iCloud+ subscribers in Israel will gain access to Apple Music Select, a curated collection of ad-free music stations.

In conjunction with this bundle, Apple will no longer offer Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade as standalone subscriptions in Israel. Existing subscribers to these separate services will be transitioned to the iCloud+ bundle, and their individual subscriptions will be canceled. Apple assures that game progress and saves in Apple Arcade will be preserved.

Furthermore, Apple is discontinuing its Apple One bundle for new subscribers in Israel. While existing Apple One subscribers can continue their plans, new sign-ups are no longer possible. This new integrated iCloud+ offering is rolling out in Israel in September as part of a global expansion to over 100 countries and regions. iCloud+ subscriptions can be shared with up to five additional family members via Family Sharing.

The move effectively transforms iCloud+ from a paid cloud storage service into a comprehensive Apple services package. At its new entry price, it dramatically reshapes the pricing landscape for Apple's streaming services in Israel. The article raises questions about whether competing streaming giants and local media companies will follow suit with price reductions, and whether Apple's bundled offering can compete on content quality.