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Apple CEO Tim Cook was recently seen on the red carpet during the screening of the mini-series “Disclaimer” at the Venice Film Festival, showcasing the company’s continued commitment to entertainment and technology.
In a notable development, Apple has launched a new application called Apple Invites, designed for creating and sending event invitations to contacts. This app allows users to organize various occasions, including birthdays, graduations, and housewarming parties, while also managing RSVPs and guest lists effortlessly. Additionally, Apple Invites is accessible via the web, increasing its usability.
It’s important to note that while individuals can RSVP to invitations without needing an iPhone, sending invites will require a paid iCloud+ subscription. This requirement aligns with Apple’s strategy to enhance its subscription services, catering to its vast user base of 2.35 billion active devices. The Services division, which encompasses this new app, has emerged as Apple’s second-largest business, generating $25 billion in revenue during the December quarter.
Apple’s services segment is not only a revenue driver but also a significant contributor to its profitability, boasting a gross margin of 74%. The expanding services division has significantly influenced Apple’s overall profit margins, which had previously remained flat for several years. Key components of this division include partnerships like the search agreement with Google, Apple Pay, and device warranties.
With the introduction of Apple Invites, the tech giant is poised to compete with startups such as Partiful, which launched in 2020 and offers a similar platform for event invitations. Partiful humorously labeled Apple’s new offering as a “copycat” on social media, highlighting its own platform’s advantage of being accessibility across different devices. In a statement, Partiful emphasized its inclusive nature by stating, “Our product is platform-agnostic and can be used regardless of what kind of phone the user or invitee has.”
Partiful claims to provide users with a comprehensive event experience, featuring a Shared Photo Album, an interactive comments section, and initiatives that allow participants to engage before, during, and after the event. This focus on social interaction positions Partiful as a strong competitor.
Apple’s iCloud+ subscription, starting at $1 per month for 50GB of storage, is also included in various subscription bundles that can go up to $38 per month, featuring services like Apple TV, Apple Music, and access to games and fitness classes.
The Invites app harnesses the capabilities of Apple Intelligence, which comprises an array of artificial intelligence tools. This software can not only generate custom images for invitations but also assist in crafting the invitation text with integrated Writing Tools. Furthermore, Apple Intelligence facilitates the sharing of photo albums and playlists with invited guests.
Although Apple does not divulge specific subscriber figures for iCloud+, it reported last week that it boasts one billion subscribers altogether. This number encompasses subscriptions to various apps via the App Store along with direct iCloud subscriptions.
Source
www.cnbc.com