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.
George Tinari has covered Apple and technology for over six years. On the rare occasion that he’s not sitting in front of his laptop, you can find him eating, awkwardly socializing, listening to music or singing along loudly to said music. You can also follow George on Twitter if you need more complaints and sarcasm in your timeline.
7 responses to “Apple reportedly presses pause on its TV service”
If I can get the channels I want (including local & PBS) and a replay option (DVR alternative) for under $100 I’d cut the cable so fast!
Still have to pay for internet which is more expensive unbundled. Also, since cable providers are the biggest scumbags on earth, most are locked into 2-year contracts to hold a price (a-la the second biggest scumbags on earth, mobile carriers) so completely “cutting the cord” (terrible term as there is still a cord to your internet modem) quickly and cost-effectively won’t be as great as it seems.
So let’s see, make up a product, I mean everyone else is right, then announce that this rumored unannounced product is now rumored to be late! So the tech bloggers get two free click stories! Outstanding!
Come again….
Fox is run by a greedy bastard
I may be in the minority (I kind of doubt it), but I’ve gone long enough as a cable cutter using services like Netflix and Hulu Plus to where I could honestly care less about the TV service aspect of this. Now, if you start mentioning new Apple TV hardware, an Apple TV app store, a new Remote and God willing Games in the aforementioned App Store along with an Apple video game controller??? Well then…my ears probably could not perk up further! lol
Apple is going to make much more money with an Apple TV App Store rather than a TV service. Look at how amazing the App Store has become. Content will be created for the Apple TV. We’ll see big name bloggers, youtube streamers, etc creating Apple TV “Channels” or Apps or whatever else they’ll end up being called. THAT is going to be the end of traditional TV. Look at the younger generations. My kids are young teens and have grown up without Cable TV. We watch Netflix together in the evening but the rest of the time they pick and choose their content from youtube or whatnot online. They’ll want this same experience in their living rooms as adults.