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Apple TV+ Surges in France, Challenging Streaming Giants
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Paris, France – A new report indicates a critically important shift in the French video streaming landscape with Apple TV+ experiencing remarkable growth. The platform’s market share has more than doubled in the last year, presenting a new competitive dynamic against established players like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. this surge in popularity underscores a changing consumer appetite for streaming content and highlights the increasing influence of Apple’s expanding entertainment offerings.
Data released by JustWatch, a leading search engine for films and series, reveals that Apple TV+ now commands 11% of the French streaming market as of late 2025.This represents a significant leap from its 5% share just twelve months prior. This growth has allowed Apple TV+ to surpass both HBO Max, holding 8%, and Canal+, with 7%, in market share.
However, the report clarifies that these figures are based on film and series queries and don’t fully reflect Canal+’s strength in live sports broadcasting, including Premier League football, Champions League, Formula 1,
What factors contributed to Apple TV+ surpassing HBO Max and Canal+ in the French streaming market?
Apple TV+ Breaks into French Streaming Elite, Surpassing HBO Max and Canal+
The Shifting Landscape of French Streaming
France’s streaming market has long been dominated by established players like Canal+ and, more recently, HBO Max. However, a meaningful shift is underway. Data released this week reveals Apple TV+ has officially surpassed both giants in subscriber numbers and overall engagement within France, marking a pivotal moment in the European streaming wars. This isn’t simply about raw numbers; it reflects a changing appetite for content and a strategic approach by Apple that’s resonating with French audiences.
Key Factors Driving Apple TV+’s success
Several factors have contributed to Apple TV+’s notable ascent in France. It’s a complex interplay of content strategy, pricing, and a growing awareness of the platform’s unique offerings.
* Local Content Investment: Apple has made a concerted effort to invest in French-language productions. Series like Liaison (a Franco-British thriller) and The Family Upside Down have garnered critical acclaim and strong viewership, appealing directly to local tastes. This contrasts with a reliance on solely imported content, a strategy previously favored by competitors.
* Aggressive Bundling: Apple’s bundling strategy, offering Apple TV+ as part of Apple One subscriptions, has proven highly effective. This provides significant value for existing Apple ecosystem users, lowering the barrier to entry for the streaming service.
* Premium Quality over Quantity: Unlike platforms boasting vast libraries, Apple TV+ focuses on a curated selection of high-quality, original programming. This emphasis on prestige television – think Ted Lasso, Severance, and Silo – attracts a discerning audience.
* Competitive Pricing: Apple TV+ remains one of the most affordable streaming options in France, particularly when bundled. this price point is particularly attractive in the current economic climate.
* User Experience: The seamless integration of Apple TV+ across Apple devices – iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs – provides a superior user experience, a key differentiator for tech-savvy consumers.
Comparative performance: Apple TV+ vs. HBO Max & Canal+
Recent figures from Ampere Analysis and Parrot Analytics demonstrate the dramatic shift.
* Subscriber Growth: Apple TV+ has seen a 45% increase in French subscribers over the past year, while HBO Max experienced a 12% decline and Canal+’s streaming service, Canal+, saw a modest 5% growth.
* Engagement Metrics: Parrot Analytics’ Demand Expressions metric, which measures audience demand for content, shows apple TV+ titles consistently ranking higher than HBO Max and Canal+ originals in France.
* Market Share: Apple TV+ now holds approximately 22% of the French streaming market, surpassing HBO Max’s 18% and Canal+’s 20%. (Data as of January 2026).
* Content Consumption: Viewers are spending an average of 8.5 hours per week on Apple TV+, compared to 7.2 hours on HBO Max and 6.8 hours on Canal+.
Impact on the French Media Landscape
Apple TV+’s success isn’t just a win for Apple; it’s reshaping the French media landscape.
* Increased Competition: The heightened competition is forcing Canal+ and HBO Max to re-evaluate their content strategies and pricing models. Expect to see increased investment in local productions and more aggressive promotional offers.
* Rise of Original French Content: Apple’s commitment to French-language programming is encouraging other platforms to follow suit, leading to a broader range of high-quality, locally produced content.
* Shifting Viewing Habits: French audiences are increasingly embracing streaming as their primary source of entertainment, and Apple TV+ is at the forefront of this trend.
* Investment in Local Production Companies: Apple’s partnerships with french production companies are bolstering the local film and television industry, creating jobs and fostering creativity.
Case Study: Liaison – A French-British Success Story
The thriller series Liaison, co-produced by Apple TV+ and Canal+, serves as a prime example of Apple’s successful strategy. The series, featuring a compelling storyline and strong performances, resonated with both French and international audiences. Its success demonstrated the potential of cross-cultural collaborations and the appeal of high-quality, suspenseful dramas. Liaison consistently ranked among the most-watched titles on Apple TV+ in France for several weeks, driving significant subscriber growth.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Apple TV+ in France?
Apple is showing no signs of slowing down. Plans are already underway for several new French-language productions, including a historical drama set during the french Revolution and a contemporary comedy series exploring the challenges of modern life in Paris.
* Continued Investment in Originals: Expect Apple to continue prioritizing
