The service will be launched in the US in the first half of the year followed by a global expansion in the later part of the year, but there is no word on how much this service will cost just yet. The report also echoes an earlier report where it says that Apple will be bundling original content for free for Apple device owners, although whether or not this will be a permanent fixture or if it is some kind of promotion to get users to sign up remains to be seen.
However the report claims that while Apple will make original content free, they will also actively encourage their subscribers to sign up and subscribe to other services from third-parties, such as HBO, STARZ, and so on. Take it with a grain of salt for now, but given that Apple usually hosts two events in the first half of the year, perhaps we might hear more about this service in an official capacity at either of those events, so be sure to check back with us in the coming months for more details.