F1 The Movie Finally Hits Streaming While Other Apple TV Films Arrive Sooner

Apple recently made headlines with the successful theatrical release of “F1: The Movie” in collaboration with Warner Bros. This film, directed by Joseph Kosinski, grossed $629 million globally and has been in theaters for over 14 weeks. It is set to stream on Apple TV, not Apple TV+, on December 12, almost six months after its cinema debut on June 27.

Streaming Success and Shifts in Strategy

The success of “F1: The Movie” marked a significant achievement for Apple, although the company may not replicate this success with future films. Despite this, Apple continues to explore both theatrical and direct-to-streaming releases. Notably, Apple’s approach with the George Clooney-Brad Pitt thriller “Wolfs” faced criticism after the company opted for an early streaming release, much to the disappointment of director Jon Watts.

Amazon’s Commitment to Theatrical Releases

In contrast, Amazon MGM has committed to theatrical releases, with plans for up to 14 films per year. These films will have considerable time in theaters before transitioning to streaming, highlighting Amazon’s clear priorities in the film industry.

Apple’s Varied Approach and Future Projects

Apple has faced costly missteps with films like “Argylle” and “Fly Me to the Moon,” leading to a strategic reevaluation. Despite this, the company remains open to experimenting with lengthy theatrical runs for movies involving high-profile directors like Kosinski.

Upcoming Releases to Watch

• “Mayday” by Skydance featuring Ryan Reynolds
• “Matchbox,” a Mattel movie starring John Cena
• “The Dink,” a comedy with Ben Stiller and Jake Johnson

These upcoming films hint at potential strategies that Apple might pursue, suggesting a mix of content that could have broad appeal in theaters while maintaining streaming options on Apple TV.

While Apple faces unique challenges and opportunities in the cinematic arena, the success of “F1: The Movie” indicates that curated theatrical releases can coexist with a strong streaming strategy. By experimenting with its approach, Apple could find its formula for future successes.