Apple’s big-screen gamble F1, starring Brad Pitt, is a massive success. In just two weeks, it earned $320 million worldwide, beating Apple’s earlier films like Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon.
Trade experts believe it could cross $500 million globally, making it Apple’s biggest theatrical success till now.
The film reportedly cost about $375 million (3,100 crores) to make and release. Most traditional studios avoid such high budgets for non-franchise films.
But Apple plays a different game. For Apple, profits are not the only goal. The company wants brand buzz, more Apple TV+ subscribers, and a stronger tech image.
Apple also used its ecosystem to market F1 in creative ways. Key racing scenes were shot on the iPhone 15 Pro, and Apple promoted this heavily.
Apple Maps added F1 circuit overlays during race weekends. Some premium theatres ran haptic trailers with vibrations that matched engine sounds. All this turned the movie into a multi-platform event — boosting both ticket sales and Apple’s brand value.
In India, F1 surprised trade analysts. It collected more than 80 crores, doing well in metros where Formula 1 has a growing fan base. IMAX and premium screens saw packed shows, and tech-savvy audiences gave it a huge response.
Netflix, on the other hand, still focuses on streaming-first releases with only short theatrical runs for select titles like Glass Onion and The Irishman. That saves money but loses the pop culture buzz that big theatrical releases create.
Apple and Amazon are showing that tech giants can reshape cinema by funding big-budget spectacles. If F1 keeps its momentum, it’s more than a box office hit.
F1’s success might push other OTT platforms like Netflix to rethink their strategy too. For Indian OTT players, this could be a game-changer.
Platforms like JioHotstar, SonyLIV, and ZEE5 may start exploring theatrical first releases or big screen partnerships to stay relevant.
With regional cinema booming and audiences willing to pay for premium experiences, a hybrid model where OTT giants produce big budget films for theatres before streaming could become the next big trend in India.
