Originally slated for announcement during Apple’s alleged September 9 event, the rumored live TV service launch is now being pushed back to 2016. It turns out those stubborn TV networks are foiling Apple’s plans to deliver sooner. Fortunately, the new Apple TV hardware should still get a proper unveiling next month.
Report of the service delay comes from Bloomberg, which has an unidentified source who knows about the issues. Apple’s biggest dilemma is convincing TV networks to get in on the plan for a more affordable television package for the Apple TV. It wants to provide users with a deal that would bundle popular channels together for $40 per month and, as you can imagine, that’s not sitting well with top execs at the likes of CBS and Fox.
They aren’t totally to blame either though. Apple is reportedly struggling to come up with a suitable mix of those popular channels that would have the most appeal within the planned $40 monthly package. Still, that’s not the terribly time consuming part – it’s persuading networks it chooses that Apple’s forward mentality about television is even worth their time. After all, the networks make plenty of money now from traditional cable and satellite providers.
The source also mentioned that Apple apparently doesn’t have enough network capacity just yet. It’s still working to improve the quality of the service before it’s ready for prime time — literally.
Not all hope is lost for the September 9 event, since Bloomberg reports that we should still see a “more powerful version” of the current Apple TV. This would likely include its own App Store, Siri and a redesigned remote control with touch input. New iPhones should debut at the event as well.
