Apple says iCloud+ now includes Apple TV and Arcade at no extra charge in 100+ countries, plus Music Select, a set of ad-free radio stations, in some markets

If you pay for iCloud+, you now receive Apple TV and Apple Arcade without any new charges.

Apple is now bundling Apple TV and Apple Arcade subscriptions into iCloud+ at no additional cost for users in over 100 countries. This initiative aims to drive growth for Apple's services in developing and price-sensitive markets. The change means that the 50 GB iCloud+ tier, typically priced around $0.99 per month in the US, will now include these services for subscribers in the designated regions. This rollout also expands the availability of the Apple TV service to 59 new countries, bringing its total reach to 170. In some select markets, a new 'Apple Music Select' tier is also being introduced, featuring ad-free radio stations. Apple appears to be prioritizing this integrated iCloud+ offering over its existing Apple One bundles in these territories.

This strategic move signals Apple's intent to gain significant traction for its content services in international markets that may not have previously subscribed due to cost or awareness. By integrating premium services into a foundational offering like iCloud+, Apple is lowering the barrier to entry and potentially capturing a larger user base for its ecosystem in over 100 countries. This approach bypasses the need for separate subscriptions or more expensive bundled plans like Apple One, indicating a shift in how Apple is packaging its services for global expansion.

The inclusion of Apple TV and Arcade within iCloud+ will likely increase engagement with Apple's proprietary content and gaming platforms, especially in regions where these services were less accessible. It also provides a new avenue for users to potentially upgrade to full Apple Music plans at a discounted rate through the new 'Apple Music Select' tier. This initiative could lead to a more unified services experience for iCloud+ users and may pressure competitors to reconsider their own bundling strategies in emerging markets.