Apple Reportedly Considering Making Affordable Apple TV Dongle Like Chromecast

The Apple TV has always been a premium set-top box and Apple still hasn’t delivered a more affordable option. However, a new report claims that Apple has actually considered making a low-cost Apple TV dongle that would function much like the Google Chromecast.

Apple has apparently discussed the affordable Apple TV dongle internally and it is said to have a lower price than its premium set-top box, according to The Information. The device would work like the Google Chromecast or the Amazon Fire TV Stick, where users will simply have to plug it into the back of a television.

Apple has considered making the device so that it could actively promote its upcoming streaming service, which is currently expected to launch as early as March 2019 in 100 countries. Apple already has a bunch of original content lined up for its own streaming service, with shows starring A-list celebrities like Steve Carell and Jennifer Aniston. Apple’s streaming service, which is expected to be available for free to everyone that owns an iPhone, iPad, Macs or an Apple TV, will be available through the company’s own TV app.

Unfortunately, it remains a mystery on whether or not Apple has decided to move forward with this more affordable version of the Apple TV. There’s currently no information on the device’s design and its set of features. What’s known for certain is that the tech giant has discussed the possibility of releasing such a product. Launching a low-cost Apple TV dongle could give the company an edge over its rivals like Netflix. Meanwhile, Disney is already preparing its own streaming service, called Disney+, which is expected to launch in fall 2019.

Releasing a low-cost version of Apple TV could also help Apple better compete in the set-top box market. The original Apple TV launched in 2007 and its current base model is selling for $149. There’s also a 4K model that sells for $179, as pointed out by The Next Web. In comparison, Apple’s rivals are offering their streaming devices at much cheaper prices.

Google’s standard full HD Chromecast sells for just $35, while the 4K-capable Chromecast Ultra sells for just $69. Meanwhile, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K sells for $49. It seems ideal for Apple to offer a device that features similar pricing, but the tech giant has always prioritized offering premium products with expensive price tags.