Apple just announced its first film this year with a theatrical release

Skip to main content Apple had a major theatrical hit last year with F1. But so far in 2026, all of Apple’s new movies have skipped theaters. Now, the company has announced that the forthcoming Tenzing will get a limited theatrical debut.

Tenzing coming to theaters October 9 for Oscars eligibility, then hitting Apple TV one week later When Apple has its first big summer blockbuster last year with F1, Hollywood hoped that success would lead to more theatrical efforts from the company. Yet so far in 2026, Apple hasn’t premiered any new films in theaters. And while the first one was just announced, it’s a very limited theatrical release.

Tenzing is coming to select theaters on Friday, October 9. It will stream on Apple TV one week later on October 16. This limited theatrical approach is often employed by tech players like Apple and Netflix for films that are Oscar contenders.

The Academy Awards won’t recognize a film unless it has a “theatrical qualifying run of at least seven consecutive days.” So direct-to-streaming movies can’t win Oscars. And Apple believes Tenzing has a shot.

Here’s the plot summary: Based on true events, “Tenzing” chronicles the little-known story of Tenzing Norgay (Genden Phuntsok), a gifted Himalayan climber who, alongside New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary (Tom Hiddleston), was the first to summit Mount Everest. Encouraged by his wife Dawa (Thinley Lhamo), Tenzing finds an ally in expedition secretary Jill Henderson (Caitríona Balfe). Together, they persuade Colonel John Hunt (Willem Dafoe) that Tenzing belongs on the British climbing team, rather than merely serving it.

Where Western climbers see “Everest” as something to be conquered, Tenzing reveres “Chomolungma” as the sacred mother goddess. What follows is an ascent defined as much by the tensions between backgrounds, classes and competing ambitions as by the perils of the mountain itself. But high above the world, empire, rank and aspiration fall away, leaving two outsiders bound by mutual respect and trust — and for Tenzing, the fulfillment of both a lifelong dream and a spiritual calling.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Jennifer Peedom, “Tenzing” is a story of greatness that refuses to be diminished — and the love that makes it possible. Additionally, Apple TV has the following upcoming films: comedy The Dink, which premieres next month Ryan Reynolds spy thriller Mayday, coming in September and Matchbox and Way of the Warrior Kid later in the fall Are you interested in seeing Tenzing when it premieres? What do you think of Apple’s theatrical approach?

Let us know in the comments. Apple TV is available for $12.99 per month, or you can get it discounted through the Apple One bundle.

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