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Apple planning streaming service

Apple is in talks with US networks to offer around 25 channels across any iOS device.

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Apple is in talks with US television networks to offer around 25 channels across any iOS device as soon as September, but it isn’t clear if the service will be geo-blocked.

The Wall Street Journal reports the service would offer programming from about 25 channels, including major networks ABC, CBS and FOX, that would be available on all devices running Apple’s iOS operating system, including Apple TV.

However, NBCUniversal, which owns channels such as NBC, USA and Bravo, is not part of the discussions.

Unlike cable bundles, which offer a long list of smaller networks, the California-based tech giant is aiming to assemble a ‘skinny’ bundle of heavy-hitters, the Journal reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The report did not reveal an expected subscription cost for the service but did note that some media executives pegged Apple’s service at about $30 to $40 a month. It is tipped to launch in June.

The news follows Apple’s partnership with HBO, announced earlier this month.

Called HBO Now, the on-demand service is launching exclusively on Apple devices next month and this is said to be a ‘taster’ for what’s to come later this year.

Source: SKY News, CNet, Daily Mail

4 Responses

  1. Apple gets to keep 30% of all subscription monies? When are Hollywood going to wake up and start their own services and cut out the middlemen?

  2. Not sure about subscribing to a streaming service that locks an individual into one platform. Its nice to have flexibility as technology is always evolving.

  3. Given the rediculous global rights situations it is hard to see how this would not be geo blocked. It certainly would be a game changer though for those who want access to these channels and are happy to pay a reasonable fee for it (like me).

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