Apple is reportedly in talks with content producers to launch 25-channel TV service by September.
The service will reportedly be similar Dish Network's recently-launched Sling TV, and will run on Apple devices such as the Apple TV, iPhone, and iPad. According to The Wall Street Journal:
The technology giant is in talks with programmers to offer a slimmed-down bundle of TV networks this fall, according to people familiar with the matter. The service would have about 25 channels, anchored by broadcasters such as ABC, CBS and Fox, and would be available on Apple devices such as the Apple TV, they said.
The Wall Street Journal goes on to note that Apple could be targeting a price range of $30 to $40 per month, and is aiming for an announcement in June, with a launch following in September.
Just last week, Apple announced a partnership with HBO to bring its standalone streaming offering, HBO Now, to Apple devices months ahead of the competition. It appears that the deal may have been Apple testing the waters for its own upcoming streaming service:
That deal was designed as a kind of appetizer for the main meal plans to be served later this year, according to a person familiar with the matter.
This information lines up with a previous report from February that Apple has already shown off a demo of such a service to content partners in some capacity.
If true, it will be interesting to see if an offering from Apple will make waves in the relatively young streaming television field. If the proposed September launch date is correct, Apple will be entering the field fierce competition from the aforementioned Sling TV, which will have had several months to flesh out its service before Apple enters the fray. However, unlike Sling TV, Apple would have control over not just the service, but also the hardware running it, which could give the tech giant a leg up over the competition.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
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