Apple’s live TV plans have once again been put on hold amidst tough negotiating, according to a new report.
Just a couple of weeks ago we received a report that Apple would be launching a brand new Apple TV in September. However, it was suggested that it wouldn’t be accompanied by a full live TV service, which would join it at a later date.
Now Bloomberg is carrying a report that appears to clarify that last point. Sources claim that Apple is now aiming for a 2016 launch for the live TV component.
Said live TV service is believed to be a package of popular network TV channels for a relatively low monthly subscription price (around half the price of a current cable TV service).
The reason behind the delay of such a service, as ever, is Apple’s painfully drawn out negotiation process with content providers such as CBS Corp. and 21st Century Fox Inc. Such negotiations, say sources, are “progressing slowly.”
It seems as if such content providers feel Apple should be paying more to enter the market rather than less.
Beyond that, it’s claimed that Apple doesn’t currently have the raw network capacity to ensure an optimal viewing experience for prospective customers. At least, not in the US, where the service will inevitably debut.
Related: Why Apple was right to ditch its TV plans
Such a TV service requires the storage of popular shows at various points across the country, so as to be physically close to viewers and thus ensure smooth and speedy streaming. You can’t just stream content from a single central point, as the bandwidth costs would be huge.
With such logistical challenges still to overcome, Apple will have to content itself with launching its new Apple TV device next month – but not the service it’s essentially been designed for.
Find out what we want to see from the iPhone 6S, which will also launch in September, in the video below:
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.