Apple fans! Get set for this big launch: Here is what to expect and when

Tech giant Apple has started to send media invites for its March 25 event where it is expected to launch a television and video service at the Steve Jobs Theater on its campus in Cupertino, California. The company has been working on its streaming service for a while now and was expected to launch it April. However, the latest invite means that the product could be out sooner than expected. Even though the invite doesn't mention anything details, it features a single-line description: "It's show time." This hints at some big announcements from Apple. 

The location too points towards a major announcement from Apple. This is the first time when the smartphone manufacturer is using the Steve Jobs Theater on its campus in Cupertino, California to host a media event other than an iPhone launch.

According to a report by Reuters, Apple has spent around over $2 billion (roughly Rs 14,000 crores) in Hollywood to produce its own content and signing major stars such as Oprah Winfrey. The service may resell subscriptions from CBS Corp, Viacom and Lions Gate Entertainment Corp's Starz among others, as well as Apple's own original content.

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With this, Apple would take on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video which already taken a massive lead on competitors. Apple's App Store, where the service is likely to be distributed, is currently available in more than 100 countries.

The service is key for Apple which is otherwise struggling in major markets due to a dip in its iPhone sales. It is also in discussions with HBO, part of AT&T-owned WarnerMedia, to become part of the service. The launch would be Apple's first major event without hardware in focus. 

Earlier this year, Apple had decided to make its Apple Music services work on smart speakers from rivals such as Amazon and partnered with Samsung Electronics to let Samsung television owners watch video purchased from Apple on Samsung sets. The move can as Apple didn't want to  limit the places people can consume its services.