Report: Apple pursuing original content for iTunes


Nicole Laporte for Fast Company:

The iTunes Lounge was in fact part of a stealth effort by Apple to establish a new, more active role in delivering entertainment. In the weeks that followed, Apple execs were in Los Angeles hearing pitches for original TV series that it plans to launch on an "exclusives" app on Apple TV and within iTunes. Apple wants to work with "triple A-list" talent, according to a source, and build up a roster of must-see shows available only on its platform. Naturally, the talks have been veiled in the utmost secrecy. Producers who have met with Apple will refer to it only as the United Fruit Company.

Apple has been working on exclusive content, but generally related to Apple Music promotions. A point made in the piece is that given Apple's enormous customer base and device usage, selling content to those customers is big business.