Planet of the Apps


Apple is auditioning for an unscripted reality TV show called Planet of the Apps. The casting call is asking for contestants who can have a functioning app for demo by October 21st. The show is expected to start filming this year and into 2017 in Los Angeles.

The Verge:

Planet of the Apps' website bills it as more than just a show, but also "a launch pad and accelerator for exceptional developers." Contestants will be competing for mentorship from "some of the world's best experts in tech and entertainment," says the site, as well as funding from "top-tier VCs investing up to $10 million" and marketing in the form of "featured placement in the App Store." All that is certainly worth fighting for.

Planet of the Apps will be available via iTunes and Apple TV. It will be interesting if the primary intention is to develop original content for the Apple TV or promote Apple's platforms for developers. I'm guessing the later.

Apple similarly has been producing original and exclusive content for Apple Music. The original productions both help promote Apple Music, but also build relationships with artists.