The more we hear, the more Apple’s reported web TV service sounds like a dream come true for cord-cutters!
With previous reports suggesting the subscription service will offer around 25 channels in total, a new Wall Street Journal report claims Apple is busy talking with both Discovery and Viacom about the venture. Deals with those companies could bringing channels including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon to viewers.
It has been claimed that ABC, CBS and Fox are already lined up as partners with Apple, although NBCUniversal is not on board due to a falling out between Apple and parent company, Comcast.
A separate report has suggested Apple could offer to share viewing data, including which shows users watch and when they watch them, with TV partners as a way of courting additional networks. This would, however, appear to be in conflict with Apple’s goal of data protection, as regularly espoused by Tim Cook.
WSJ previously announced that Apple plans to debut its web TV service in June — around the time when Apple holds its Worldwide Developers Conference every year — and release it in September.
The service will allegedly cost $30 to $40 per month, which is slightly pricier than Sling TV’s core $20 package, although it would offer more channels.
Color me excited!
