Apple TV+ Lights Up Las Vegas Sphere, Announces Black Friday Deal for ‘F1: The Movie‘
LAS VEGAS, NV – November 17, 2023 – Apple TV+ is making a splash in Las vegas this weekend, projecting imagery from its hit film F1: The Movie onto the iconic Sphere as the city hosts the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. The promotional event coincides with the launch of a black friday offer: a 50% discount for six months on Apple TV+ subscriptions.
the film, starring Brad Pitt, debuted in theaters this summer and has grossed over $600 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing sports movie of all time, according to Apple. The company utilized the Sphere’s unique shape to display a depiction of Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, inside his APX GP racing helmet.
F1: The Movie will begin streaming exclusively on Apple TV+ on December 12, and is also available for purchase or rental through other digital content stores. Apple is hoping the film’s theatrical success will translate into increased viewership on its streaming service.
To attract new and eligible returning subscribers, Apple is offering a promotional price of $5.99 per month for six months – less than half the usual $12.99/month price. The offer can be accessed through the TV app.
Apple is also continuing its relationship with director Joseph Kosinski, with plans for a F1 movie sequel and an upcoming untitled feature about a UFO conspiracy.
While the success of F1: The Movie has bolstered Apple’s confidence in theatrical releases, the company’s broader strategy remains unclear. Despite having over a dozen original films in development, Apple has yet to commit to a wide cinema release for any beyond F1. Though, Eddy Cue, Apple’s SVP of Internet Software and Services, recently indicated in an interview on Matt Beloni’s The Town podcast that the company remains interested in pursuing big box office premieres.
