Apple TV wants

more movies

Apple Inc. is having discussions about licensing more films from major Hollywood studios as it looks to bolster its Apple TV+ streaming service, people familiar with the matter said.

The iPhone maker has spoken to several of the largest studios about acquiring more programming from their libraries to offer customers both in the U.S. and abroad, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private negotiations. A representative for Apple didn’t respond to a request comment.

Apple has built its paid streaming service almost entirely around original productions. It has scored a few breakout hits, such as the soccer comedy Ted Lasso, and this week received 72 Emmy nominations, the most in its history.

But the big hits have been few and far between.  Just 11% of U.S. households use Apple TV+, compared with 55% for Netflix Inc., according to the research firm MoffettNathanson LLC.

U.S. to release
Boeing plea deal 

Prosecutors are expected to give new details next week about Boeing’s plea deal in a case stemming from two deadly crashes of 737 Max jetliners. That’s when the Justice Department hopes to file the agreement with a federal district court in Texas. Earlier this month, Boeing agreed “in principle” to plead guilty to a single count of fraud — that it deceived federal regulators who approved the Max nearly a decade ago. A key detail of the plea agreement will involve appointment of an independent monitor to oversee safety compliance at Boeing.

Netflix subscribers,

earnings grow

Netflix’s subscriber and earnings growth accelerated in its latest quarter as the video streaming service benefits from a crackdown on freeloading viewers, an expansion into advertising and an acclaimed programming lineup. The results announced Thursday painted a portrait of a company still gathering momentum after a jarring decrease in subscribers during the first half of 2022 prompted a change in direction. Netflix added 8 million subscribers during the April-June period, that gain marked a 37% increase over the same time last year.

FDA approves

e-cigarette

Federal health officials have authorized sales of Vuse Alto, the best-selling e-cigarette in the country. The Food and Drug Administration made the decision Thursday, allowing Reynolds American to keep its reusable e-cigarette on the market for years to come. The authorization only applies to several tobacco-flavored versions of the reusable product, which takes cartridges filled with liquid nicotine. The FDA previously rejected an application for Vuse’s more popular menthol flavor.

— Bulletin wire reports