Apple Considered New Connected TV ‘Dongle’

To get more viewers for its upcoming TV streaming service, Apple has contemplated going downmarket on its TV hardware.

The tech giant has had internal discussions about introducing a low-priced streaming “dongle” that people could plug into the back of their TV sets, similar to Amazon’s Fire Stick or Google’s Chromecast, people familiar with the project said. The dongle could make Apple’s upcoming video streaming service—which will only be available on Apple devices such as the Apple TV, iPhones and iPads—more widely available. The service will be rolled out globally next year. Shows made originally for Apple will be free on the service.