During the San Diego Comic Con, held in the United States in July, Apple TV presented the trailer for Neuromancer, an adaptation of the 1984 classic written by William Gibson. Neuromancer is recognized as one of the most influential science fiction works, contributing to the dissemination of the cyberspace concept and inspiring other productions, such as The Matrix.
In recent years, Apple TV has established itself as an important reference point for science fiction enthusiasts. This rise is due to several strategies adopted by the platform.
Apple TV began operations in 2019. Among its first three drama series were science fiction titles, such as See and For All Mankind. Zack Van Amburg, one of the executives responsible for launching the streaming service, stated that Apple's guiding principle for creating its catalog was the notion of 'humanity,' which aligns with the genre, which frequently uses the future to discuss contemporary issues.
Generally, investing in large-scale science fiction productions represents a considerable risk due to the high costs inherent in a niche market. However, Apple has shown a willingness to take this risk. Although the streaming service recorded a loss of US$ 1 billion in the previous year, the parent company's profitability reached US$ 112 billion, which mitigated pressure on creative decisions. For example, the series Invasion cost US$ 200 million and received two additional seasons, even though it received moderate reception.
In 2023, when the series Silo was added to the catalog, Apple implemented a tactic of chaining science fiction premieres. This involved having the final episodes of one series connect directly with the initial chapters of a new production, thus ensuring that genre fans always had new content available. Although this strategy worked for a period, the schedule was affected by the Hollywood writers' and actors' strike.
For Apple, a technology corporation, presenting itself as a showcase for futuristic productions is advantageous. The platform has focused on adapting classics considered difficult to turn into media, such as Neuromancer and Foundation, the latter based on the work of Isaac Asimov, which remained under development for many years (HBO hired the Interstellar screenwriter, but the project did not advance).
When compared to other streaming services, Apple invests less in content. In 2025, its investment was US$ 7.5 billion, compared to US$ 9.1 billion from Amazon, US$ 18 billion from Netflix, US$ 19.5 billion from Warner, and US$ 23 billion from Disney. Despite maintaining a leaner catalog, Apple has earned significant awards and nominations, as seen in the science fiction titles Ruptura and Pluribus, which are favorites for the 2026 Emmy.