Smartphone maker Apple Inc. is moving into content creation having signed a multi-year deal with former talk show host and lifestyle guru Oprah Winfrey.
Apple said in a news release that it has reached a multi-year deal with Ms. Winfrey to create original programs for its new streaming service. The programs will be released worldwide as part of a lineup of original content.
Apple has yet to launch its streaming service, whose major competitors will include Amazon and Netflix. Ms. Winfrey founded and heads the OWN channel as chair and chief executive officer. She recently extended her contract with OWN through 2025. Ms. Winfrey also publishes a monthly magazine and has worked as a correspondent for the television news show 60 Minutes.
Ms. Winfrey's content for Apple will be solely for the streaming service and comes as companies race to sign exclusive deals with influential celebrities. Netflix announced last month that it had signed a deal with former U.S. President Barrack Obama and his wife Michele to have them develop exclusive content for its streaming service.
Apple has also signed content deals with actress Reese Witherspoon and acclaimed movie director Steven Spielberg. Apple has yet to announce a date for when its video streaming service will officially launch.
