Apple bundles TV, Arcade with iCloud+; ends standalone Apple One subscriptions in India

Apple is reshaping its subscription business in India. Starting this month, iCloud+ subscribers will get Apple TV and Apple Arcade at no additional cost, combining cloud storage, video streaming and gaming in a single subscription.Apple is also introducing Apple Select, a new service integrated into the existing Apple Music app, exclusively for iCloud+ subscribers. This addition extends the expanded bundle’s benefits to the music app, offering subscribers an exclusive collection of music.The expanded service will start at Rs 75 a month for 50GB of storage, with higher storage tiers also available. Subscribers can share the package with up to five family members. The rollout will take place through September.The change will end standalone Apple TV and Apple Arcade subscriptions sold directly by Apple in India. Existing individual subscriptions will be cancelled, with users continuing to access the services through iCloud+. Apple said access would remain uninterrupted and Arcade game progress and saves would be preserved.Apple One, which bundles several Apple services, will also close to new subscribers in India. Existing subscribers will retain their subscriptions. This means new customers seeking Apple’s combined storage and entertainment offering will be directed towards iCloud+, while current Apple One users can continue with their existing package.Apple One currently has two plans in India: Individual at Rs 195 a month, with 50GB of iCloud+ storage, and Family at Rs 365 a month, with 200GB, shareable with up to five other family members. Both include Apple Music, Apple TV and Apple Arcade. Apple Music is not included in the newly announced iCloud+ bundle, a key distinction for users comparing the offerings.The shift turns cloud storage, often bought when free space runs out, into an entry point for Apple’s entertainment services. For existing iCloud+ customers, the immediate benefit is access to streaming and games without an additional subscription bill.For Apple, bundling could help expose more paying customers to services they may not have chosen separately. It also gives users another reason to retain their storage subscription. However, customers who want only Apple TV or Arcade will now have to take the combined offering when subscribing directly through Apple.“We’re excited to bring Apple TV and Apple Arcade to iCloud+ users in over 100 countries in one convenient subscription,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services and Health.Airtel customers with iPhones can also access the expanded subscription through eligible postpaid plans. Those already receiving Apple TV through select Airtel plans can transition at no additional cost. Availability of individual features, shows and games may vary by country, region or device.Get the latest technology news and updates. Download the TOI App.