Why pay $20 to rent when $25 buys you “F1: The Movie” forever?

Apple is charging high prices to purchase or rent its “F1: The Movie” blockbuster hit, which makes theater popcorn look like a bargain, but that’s actually nothing new.

You can purchase or rent the movie in the TV app on the iPhone, iPad and Mac; just use the in-app search function to find the title and land on its page, then use the prominent “Buy” and “Rent” buttons. These high prices may return to normal levels once the theatrical run is over, at which time “F1: the Movie” may be available to stream on Apple TV+ for free. Apple also released the official soundtrack to the film on Apple Music.

This isn’t the only Apple Original Film available to purchase or rent through the TV app. A few older Apple TV+ titles, including “CODA,” “On the Rocks” and “Greyhound,” are also available to purchase or rent at standard prices ($15 purchase, $4 rental).

And we’re calling it “premium video on demand”

Apple charging theater prices (without theater popcorn) to stay home is nothing new. This has been the company’s approach when it comes to early releases for theatrical films offered on the iTunes Store for years now. Back when digital movie distribution hadn’t really taken off in a big way, it was Steve Jobs who predicted that the industry would eventually offer at-home access to movies that are still playing in theaters at a high premium.

At the 2010 AllThingsD conference (Jobs’s final public appearances), the legendary Apple co-founder told moderator Walt Mossberg: “I even think that there’s going to be a way to watch a first-run movie at home before it comes out on DVD if you’re willing to spend a bunch of money.” When Mossberg asked, “A bunch of money?”, Jobs repeated: “A bunch of money.”

Apple has since offered early home rentals of blockbuster films at premium prices. Typically, Apple charges anywhere from $25–$50 for early-release rentals, depending on the title and provider, and “F1: the Movie” is the latest flick to join that trend. The flick starring Brad Pitt generated more than $500 million at the box office worldwide, becoming Apple’s most successful original film to date.

The company may also be looking to capitalize on the “F1” success by potentially moving to secure the rights to stream Formula 1 on Apple TV+ in the United States starting with the 2026 season.

Source link: https://www.idownloadblog.com/2025/08/22/apple-purchase-rent-f1-movie-early-release/