Apple Won't Debut Subscription Television Service at WWDC

Apple does not plan to announce its streaming television subscription service at the Worldwide Developers Conference next week, reports Re/code, citing sources with knowledge of Apple's plans. Apple has informed television network executives that launch will be postponed because the company has not yet signed the necessary deals.

Apple wanted to launch a subscription TV service in early fall to coincide with the start of the new broadcast television season. But the debut got bogged down by negotiations over financial terms and new technology that would be required for broadcasters to deliver local programming to Apple's Web TV service.

According to industry executives, the television service may not launch until late 2015 or early 2016, as "technology and money issues" continue to be sticking points that have prevented negotiations from being completed. Apple's desire to provide consumers with local broadcast stations has also reportedly slowed down negotiations as securing all the necessary deals to show local programs and commercials takes a lot of time.

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Rumors have suggested that Apple's streaming television service will feature approximately 25 channels priced at $30 to $40 per month. It would be available over the Internet and would not require a cable subscription package.

While Apple does not plan to debut its streaming television service at the Worldwide Developers Conference next week, it is rumored to be introducing a new Apple TV set-top box with a full App Store that includes apps and games. It's also expected to introduce a new streaming music service, a revamped version of iTunes Radio, and OS X 10.11 and iOS 9.

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Top Rated Comments

Z400Racer37 Avatar
104 months ago
*Sigh....* Again....

*Splices cut cable back together...*
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
OllyW Avatar
104 months ago
I don't live in the USA so I wouldn't have got it anyway. :D
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thogin Avatar
104 months ago
Apple needs to hurry this up so we can all complain about how overpriced it is.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Godzilla71 Avatar
104 months ago
At this point, I'll just be happy if they introduce a new updated :apple:TV anything else that goes along with it will be a bonus.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MH01 Avatar
104 months ago
I don't live in the USA so I wouldn't have got it anyway. :D
So very true. This could be a very boring WWDC for those of us outside of the U.S.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
2010mini Avatar
104 months ago
The TV service package can come later. What we want now is new hardware with revamped UI and SDK so developers can start making apps.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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