Apple’s big event on September 9th is expected to include the unveiling of a redesigned Apple TV, but if you were hoping to get a taste of the company’s long rumored over-the-top TV subscription service, you’ll have to wait a little while longer.
Negotiations between Apple and content providers have stalled according to a new report that claims the economics of the subscription TV service remain a sticking point between Apple’s and its partners. The price Apple wants to charge consumers would be much higher than a subscription to HBO Go, Hulu, Netflix or Sling, but that’s still not enough for content makers who are asking for more cash.
The Information’s Jessica Lessin reports that broadcasters are preventing the streaming service from debuting with the new Apple TV next month because the two sides still can’t agree on a price.
“There’s still a big gap between the price media companies want for their TV channels and the roughly $40 a month Apple wants to charge consumers,” Lessin writes. “Something has to give.”
While major networks like NBC, CBS, and Fox have balked at Apple’s planned pricing options, the company still plans to go ahead an reveal the device at the September 9th keynote and will instead focus on integration with HomeKit that makes Apple TV the hub for the connected home.
Lessin also notes that Apple plans to highlight Apple TV’s security features, such as data being stored on the Apple TV’s local storage instead on iCloud. The new Apple TV is rumored to come with an all-new design, Siri integration, a new controller, and support for third-party apps.
Buster Hein is a freelance writer who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Twitter: @bst3r.
6 responses to “Apple TV streaming service could cost more than $40”
If Apple TV brings the iOS AppStore to your set box in as close a form to the AppStore now it will have managed to back port every TV with an hdmi port. Selling vastly more than a proper Apple TV set. Add to that a MFi controller and you have a games machine as well.
In one fell swoop Apple has dragged itself back into the front room on more than one front. IF the hardware is good enough.
$40 a month?! Even that is too salty when I can get 1080p over the air for free.
Stupid dinosaur network companies. People don’t want your services anymore. Get with the times.
Hopefully now everybody can see the problem with cable company rates is not exclusively the fault of the cable company.
I’m not paying a subscription for things I won’t even watch. Instead let me subscribe to shows I like for price cheaper than $3 an episode.
More than $40? They’ve got to be kidding. Yes I know that this is Apple and to expect to pay for the groovy Apple caché but I can’t see myself sign up for anything in this price range