CHINA TOPIX

11/02/2024 09:26:26 am

Make CT Your Homepage

Apple's Planning Internet TV Service In June

Apple TV

(Photo : Apple) Apple's best friend in the TV industry just got sour over its internet TV service.

Apple's long awaited internet TV service might be coming this summer if a report from The Wall Street Journal is true. The service will feature 25 channels and Apple is looking for an al-a-carte type bundle service.

It did seem like Apple was preparing for a TV announcement when it invited HBO CEO Richard Plepler onto the stage at the Apple Watch event to talk HBO Now, with Tim Cook stating more than once "this is just the beginning" when talking about TV.

Like Us on Facebook

The TV service will feature channels from ABC, CBS, Fox and Disney. Originally, Apple planned to work with Comcast on the TV project, but backed away when Comcast showed no interest in investing more heavily in internet TV.

That means it's unlikely NBCUniversal-owned channels will be available through Comcast. HBO might be available as an add-on to the package, said to cost between $30 to $40 per month with additional packages for $5 to $15 per month.

Apple's entry into the internet TV market comes at a time where CBS, HBO and Dish Network are all looking into the future of TV. HBO Now and CBS All Access both offer all cable content through live and on-demand, and Dish Network is continuing to fuel channels into its Sling TV network.

The question is can Apple push far enough in the TV world to really make a stand, to really draw customers away from cable and into a fully fledged internet reality?

That is hard to say but we'll find out all of the details at WWDC 2015, alongside the re-launch of Beats Music, Apple's new streaming service.

Real Time Analytics