Apple has started using the so-called “edge caching” technology to improve its own streaming service, Apple TV Plus, and presumably other content-related services.
Apple has launched a new pilot program to improve Apple TV Plus and more. However, only certain companies can participate. According to the Introduction:
Fast. Faster. Fastest.
Your customers deserve the best possible content delivery. Apple Edge Cache (AEC) is Apple-supplied and managed hardware for use on our ISP partners' networks to deliver certain Apple content directly to our mutual customers.
Apple
Edge caching technology allows content to be delivered to users faster and significantly more efficiently by creating a cache on local servers. This technology uses Internet Service Provider (ISP) networks and servers to temporarily store content that other users on the same network are accessing. For example, if two people on the same network wanted to access the same movie—i.e., start a stream—this would trigger two pings to the content provider's server.
Both consumers and Apple benefit
With edge caching technology, this is eliminated because requests are bundled. Edge caching makes the process more efficient and increases speed. Users can access content faster while reducing server load. The respective Internet Service Provider (ISP) will be able to store the content for a period of time, which can be reused if a ping is requested again. This means that edge caching benefits not only Apple but also consumers. By reducing latency, the overall streaming experience is significantly improved. Apple now plans to catch up with competitors like Netflix and Amazon, as they already use similar technology. (Photo by monsitj / Bigstockphoto)
