* New version of Apple Music for iOS 11 set to launch later this year
* Updates will include more video content, including original programming
* Reports say Apple could have 10 original shows by year’s end
Apple Music is expanding beyond just the music part of its name. New reports say Apple Music is readying its next version — with a renewed focus on video.
According to a new report from Bloomberg, Apple Music is planning to increase its own original video programming, with a goal of hosting up to 10 original shows by the end of the year.
Apple has had some success with original programming before, with a successful documentary on Drake’s music label, Cash Money Records. Apple also recently nabbed Tribeca Film Festival opener, Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives. Apple Music had also acquired the rights to James Corden’s popular Carpool Karaoke series, though the launch date for that has since been pushed back.
According to Bloomberg, Apple will also stream two new shows from Sean “Diddy” Combs — a show called Can’t Stop Won’t Stop produced in conjunction with Live Nation, and a documentary about Bad Boy Records.
It’s worth noting that the head of Apple Music is Jimmy Iovine, who got his start as a record label exec, but also found success as an in-house mentor on American Idol. Iovine has said he wants to bring more music-related shows to the platform, though the long-term plan is to bring in other genres and programs as well.
The current Apple Music platform has a dedicated section for music videos, though you’ll find the documentaries there as well. Apple is expected to introduce its iOS 11 operating system later this fall, where the Apple Music update is likely to be found.
