Apple had a big hit with F1 last year. But so far in 2026, all of Apple’s new movies have skipped theatrical release. This time, the company announced that the new movie “Tenzing” will be released in limited theaters.
Tenzing will be released in theaters on October 9th for Oscar eligibility and will arrive on Apple TV a week later.
When Apple released its first summer blockbuster with F1 last year, Hollywood hoped the success would lead to more theatrical efforts from the company.
But so far in 2026, Apple hasn’t released any new movies in theaters. And while the first film has just been announced, it will have a very limited theatrical release.
Tenzing is coming to select theaters Friday, October 9th. It will be streamed on Apple TV one week later on October 16th.
This limited theatrical approach is often employed by tech companies like Apple and Netflix for Oscar-nominated films. At the Academy Awards, a film must pass “seven consecutive days of screening in theaters” to be accepted.
Therefore, movies connected directly to streaming cannot win an Oscar. And Apple believes Tenzing has a chance.
Here is a summary of the plot:
Based on a true story, Tenzing tells the little-known story of Tenzing Norgay (Genden Phuntsok), a talented Himalayan mountaineer who became the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest with New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary (Tom Hiddleston). Encouraged by his wife Dawa (Thinley Ramo), Tenzin finds an ally in expedition secretary Jill Henderson (Caitriona Balfe). Together they convince Colonel John Hunt (Willem Dafoe) that Tenzing is not just part of the British mountaineering team, but is part of it. While Western mountaineers see Everest as something to be conquered, Tenzin worships Chomolungma as a divine mother goddess. What follows is a climb defined as much by the tensions between background, class, and competing ambitions as by the dangers of the mountain itself. But the world’s heights, empires, positions, and aspirations are gone, and for Tenzin, both a lifelong dream and a spiritual mission are fulfilled, as two outsiders bond in mutual respect and trust. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Jennifer Peedum, Tenzing is a story of greatness that refuses to fade and the love that makes it possible.
Additionally, Apple TV has the following upcoming movies:
Interested in Tenzing’s first look? What do you think of Apple’s theatrical approach? Let us know in the comments.
Apple TV is available for $12.99 per monthor get discounts through Apple One bundles.
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