Television personality Oprah Winfrey has agreed to produce shows for Apple as the iPhone maker prepares to make a push into original content.
An Apple statement Friday offered few details about the role for Winfrey , who hosted a hugely popular talk show before leaving to start her own production company and devote time to philanthropic efforts .
“Together , Winfrey and Apple will create original programs that embrace her incomparable ability to connect with audiences around the world, ” the statement said .
Terms of the deal were not announced.
The news suggested Apple — which reportedly is investing $ 1 billion in content — is push forward as part of its effort to create a platform to challenge rivals like Netflix and Amazon in internet- based video .
According to The Hollywood Reporter , the deal includes films , television shows , smartphone applications and books that can be distributed through Apple .
Apple has deals with other stars including director Steven Spielberg and actresses Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon .
The move comes after Netflix signed a deal with former US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle to produce shows for that platform .
It also comes as traditional TV operators scramble to bolster their position against an expected online onslaught.
AT& T on Thursday closed an $ 85 billion deal for media -entertainment giant Time Warner, giving the telecom-broadband group a strong position in both content and delivery .
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