Apple's Desire to Include Local Stations in Streaming TV Service Could Delay Launch Beyond WWDC - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple's Desire to Include Local Stations in Streaming TV Service Could Delay Launch Beyond WWDC

Apple's efforts to provide customers with live programming from local broadcasting stations in the United States could delay the company's plans to launch a streaming TV service in early fall, according to Re/code. The report, citing industry executives, also claims that Apple has not reached any content deals with TV programmers yet, making it unlikely that the web-based TV service is announced at WWDC next month.

appletv

"Apple’s ambitions have complicated its negotiations with the broadcast TV networks, because most broadcasters don’t own all their local stations, and have an affiliate, or franchise system. Clearing the rights to show local programs and commercials takes some time — ABC, for instance, spent two years getting the rights to show live programming via its Watch ABC app, and its live streams remain limited to viewers in eight cities."

The Wall Street Journal reported in March that Apple plans to unveil its streaming TV service at WWDC, anchored by popular networks such as ABC, CBS, Fox, ESPN and FX. The web-based TV service for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and other devices is expected to deliver a lightweight package of about 25 channels for between $30 to $40 per month. The report claimed that the service will be available in September.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)

Popular Stories

iOS 27 Feature Cool

Apple Releases New iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and tvOS 27 Public Betas

Monday August 31, 2026 2:13 pm PDT by
Apple today released the sixth public betas of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, tvOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate, allowing anyone with a compatible device to download and test the new software. The sixth betas come a week after Apple seeded the fifth betas and a few hours after the eighth developer betas. You can get started by signing up on Apple's beta website and then opting in to the public beta by...
Apple TV Color

Apple TV Buys an Existing Hit for the First Time Ever

Friday August 28, 2026 8:52 am PDT by
Apple TV has bought the worldwide rights to "Small Prophets," breaking with how it normally operates in acquiring an existing English-language hit rather than commissioning a show of its own from the start. Apple TV has typically developed or, at the very least, commissioned shows in-house and given them their premiere on the service, regardless of where they may eventually end up. This...
apple tv 4k yellow bg feature

Next Apple TV Rumored to Have Five New Features, Including Siri AI

Wednesday August 19, 2026 7:43 am PDT by
According to rumors, the next-generation Apple TV 4K will have at least five new features, including an A17 Pro chip or newer, increased RAM, Siri AI support, an Apple-designed N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 support, and an updated Siri Remote. Below, we recap everything rumored for the next Apple TV, along with potential launch timing. Rumored Features A17 Pro Chip or Newer The next Apple TV wi...

Top Rated Comments

AngerDanger Avatar
148 months ago
Just give it up Apple.

Or don't. Yeah, let's go with don't.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AngerDanger Avatar
148 months ago
I still don't know how anyone has the time to watch TV...
They use some of the time they would normally spend posting on tech forums.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Elbon Avatar
148 months ago
OMG just release it already. Add local stations and other features later. Just get something out there!
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
alfonsog Avatar
148 months ago
I still don't know how anyone has the time to watch TV...
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jimmy James Avatar
148 months ago
I simply don't care about live TV. I want an Apple TV with full App Store access.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rogifan Avatar
148 months ago
If all Apple is planning to do is offer a skinnied down cable package is it really worth it? That skinny package will eventually become bloated; just look at the current TV and the new "channels" that keep being added to it.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)