Apple is planning its own cable-free TV service for a fall launch, and it’s pulling out all the stops to lure potential content partners.
According to a new report, networks Apple is courting have been offered complete access to viewer data, such as what shows they watch and when they watch them. It’s an unusually friendly negotiating approach for Apple that signals the company really wants to get the service off the ground soon.
“They’re allowing a lot more decision-making by the content owner,” one source told The New York Post. Apple’s attitude with networks has allegedly been, “It’s up to you, whatever you guys want to do.”
The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that Apple was prepping a TV service for $30-$40 per month that offered around 25 channels. A June announcement followed by a September release is currently planned.
Competitors like Sling TV have been aggressively adding new channels, which means that Apple has some catching up to do. Given its reputation of being notoriously bossy and hard to work with, it’s interesting that Apple is so willing to give networks what they want. Netflix, for instance, does not allow content providers to see their viewer data.
