Apple's Netflix-challenging streaming TV service to launch at March 25th event

Plus AirPods 2 and a new cheap iPad?

Apple event March 2019

Apple has announced that March 25th will be the date of its next big launch, with the tagline "It's showtime", which makes it pretty clear that we're finally going to see the launch of its long-awaited streaming TV service.

Apple has been snapping up talent all over the place to build its rival to Netflix and Hulu, including the likes of Reese Witherspoon, M Night Shyamalan, Oprah Winfrey and Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi.

It will be a paid-for service, and supposedly will incorporate shows from other show-makers too, such as CBS and Showtime. We'll have wait to see whether countries outside of the US will get the full suite of shows – new content launches tend to get a bit complicated when it comes to worldwide rights.

Apple will also reportedly launch a new 9.7-inch iPad that will keep a similarly low price as the current 9.7-inch model, as well an updated version of its AirPods headphones, which are overdue for an update that includes better sound, wireless charging and some additional health tracking features.

Finally, a paid-for news and magazine subscription service is also likely to be unveiled, integrated into the Apple News app, but again that may not launch worldwide immediately.

Apple acquired the digital magazine app Texture last year, which enables you to read a huge number of publications for a single monthly fee, a bit like a music streaming service. It seems like this will be relaunched as part of the News subscription, similar to how Beats Music was the basis for Apple Music.

Matthew Bolton

Matt is T3's former AV and Smart Home Editor (UK), master of all things audiovisual, overseeing our TV, speakers and headphones coverage. He also covered smart home products and large appliances, as well as our toys and games articles. He's can explain both what Dolby Vision IQ is and why the Lego you're building doesn't fit together the way the instructions say, so is truly invaluable. Matt has worked for tech publications for over 10 years, in print and online, including running T3's print magazine and launching its most recent redesign. He's also contributed to a huge number of tech and gaming titles over the years. Say hello if you see him roaming the halls at CES, IFA or Toy Fair. Matt now works for our sister title TechRadar.