Apple announced a partnership with its old rival Samsung

 

The statement shows how much change Apple is making and how it works more closely with its former competitors to bring its services to more people.

 

The relationship between Apple and Samsung can be described as "love and hate." For most of the past 10 years, the two companies have been vying for the world's largest smartphone maker, and Samsung is usually ranked first. Recently, Huawei has seized the second place in Apple.

 

Patent litigation between Apple and Samsung has been going on for years, and Apple accused Samsung of stealing its ideas and infringing its patents. However, most of these disputes have been resolved.

 

At the same time, Samsung also provides Apple with key components such as screens and other hardware for devices including the iPhone and iPad.

 

In the past few years, Apple is shifting its focus to service business, and while the iPhone sales are stagnant, the service business continues to grow. Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a revised outlook last week that the service business will generate $10.8 billion in revenue in the first quarter and plans to serve it between 2016 and 2020. The scale of the business has doubled.

 

Eddy Cue, senior vice president of Apple's Internet software and services, announced a deal with Samsung at a press conference. He said: "We look forward to bringing iTunes and AirPlay 2 to more customers around the world via Samsung Smart TV, iPhone, iPad. And Mac users will have another way to enjoy their favorite content on the biggest screen at home."

 

Although Apple has not announced it, it is expected to launch a TV service that combines free and paid content later this year. Cooperation with Samsung can help expand the user base of the service, including those who may not have Apple phone or tablet.