After having the world’s first iQIYI-branded channel as part of Astro offerings back in July, both companies have entered a new era in their partnership by co-launching the iQIYI App in Malaysia yesterday. While the Malaysian satellite TV operator and content producer is the first international partner for the iQIYI App, that doesn’t mean the app is only available for Astro customers though.
In general, the new iQIYI App is accessible to everyone in Malaysia although Astro customers do have an added advantage in the form of free 2-month VIP Membership as opposed to the standard 1-month trial.
The iQIYI VIP Membership is available in two tiers including the Gold VIP Membership which allows users to watch iQIYI contents on their phones at full HD resolution without ads, as well as having access to exclusive contents and selected blockbusters. Gold VIP members also received advanced viewing for certain contents.
On another hand, there’s also the Diamond VIP Membership which includes the ability to watch iQIYI contents on Apple TV together with all the benefits that already been provided by the Gold VIP Membership. In terms of monthly fees, the Gold VIP Membership costs RM 12.90 while the Diamond VIP Membership can be obtained for RM 23.90.
Users can also choose to have the Quarterly Subscription which covers 3 months of Gold VIP Membership for RM 36.90 or RM 69.90 if those who prefer Diamond VIP Membership. There’s also the Yearly Subscription for these plans which cost RM 129.90 and RM 239.90 respectively.
Do note that you don’t need these VIP Memberships to utilize the iQIYI App although your content pool would naturally be much more limited compared to what VIP members able to view. During the launch event yesterday, iQIYI stated that there are more than 11,000 episodes involving 2,500 titles already in its catalogue with even more to come very soon.
Astro also believes that this collaboration will help bring Malaysian talents and contents to a much wider audience. This is due to the fact that three of Astro’s original productions will be included in iQIYI global catalogue as part of the partnership between the two companies.
Meanwhile, the new iQIYI App is readily available for download from Google Play for Android devices. For iPhone and iPad users, they can head on to the iOS App Store right here.
