Apple Won't Debut Subscription Television Service at WWDC

[MacRumors]

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.

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.

Article Link: Apple Won't Debut Subscription Television Service at WWDC

 

[cmChimera]

Ugh. Not cool.

 

[JonneyGee]

This comes as no surprise since it's a plan that seems to have been in the works for years now. Regardless, I hope it happens soon because I'm ready to cut the cord with cable!

 

[Z400Racer37]

*Sigh....* Again....

*Splices cut cable back together...*

 

[Godzilla71]

At this point, I'll just be happy if they introduce a new updated TV anything else that goes along with it will be a bonus.

 

[bushido]

so no Apple TV update this year ... oh well, i have since been updating to a Fire TV Stick

 

[farewelwilliams]

25 channels include:
ID Network
A&E
Oxygen
Oprah's Network

 

[Godzilla71]

so no Apple TV update this year ... oh well, i have since been updating to a Fire TV Stick

That is still planned or at least rumored

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.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Too bad (if true). This was the rumored announcement in which I was (personally) most interested. Like Godzilla (above), I hope they will at least roll out an updated box with an app store or the API/SDK giving third parties a few weeks or months to build new apps. THAT seems like something that probably best fits what WWDC is about so if we don't see it at this one, I wonder if it would wait until next summer?

Personally, I think the app store innovation is more important than Apple's cut at a Basic Cable subscription package. Unleashing the third parties to make the little box great has much potential (FINALLY!!!)

 

[thogin]

Apple needs to hurry this up so we can all complain about how overpriced it is.

 

[critter13]

first of all, helllllo new forum tech! Well hopefully they still open up the ATV os with an app store and sling can make an ATV app

EDIT: I just read the whole article.

 

[Bilbo63]

Disappointing yet I am not surprised. The networks have been fighting change for a long time. This sucks.

 

[OllyW]

I don't live in the USA so I wouldn't have got it anyway.

 

[dugbug]

sigh. of course.

 

[MH01]

I don't live in the USA so I wouldn't have got it anyway.

So very true. This could be a very boring WWDC for those of us outside of the U.S.

 

[MH01]

is there any rappers or gansters they could sign to promote this service

 

[rhp2424]

Personally, I think the app store innovation is more important than Apple's cut at a Basic Cable subscription package. Unleashing the third parties to make the little box great has much potential (FINALLY!!!)

I completely agree with this sentiment. The app store seems like the big missing piece above anything else.

I have reached a point of numbness to this news that I am still waiting to see it before I believe it though.

 

[newdeal]

I don't care about subscription tv. Netflix and antenna is good enough for me. However I am very excited about a new Apple tv if it is a hub for home automation (with reasonably priced hardware not $50 light bulbs)

 

[Brucewaynnee]

I just want a new Apple TV dammit!

 

[liven2]

Oh bummer. Investors will not be happy about this.

 

[J.Dillinger]

I hope the next version of Apple TV allows me to centrally manager a queue or watchlist from the various video sources offered. It's painful having to click around to various channels who all have varying functionality. Some have watchlists, some don't.

 

[freediverx]

I have zero interest in this Apple TV service. I already get everything I need through HBO Now and the Apple TV channels I already have. Local news might be nice, but nothing to write home about.

What we all really want is a new Apple TV that delivers on features we've been waitings years for.

 

[Nexramous]

Doesn’t surprise me at all. This delay is needed if the rumor of the 25 channel cable sub with a $30-$40 price tag is true. If they release something, I want it to earn the "Revolutionary" title and truly be an ala cart TV provider. Give me something that lets me hand pick channels from a roster of say 100 stations at $2-$3 a pop and then I will submit that you have "revolutionized" this industry. We would also find out real quick how many people watch or don’t watch channels and who has padded viewing stats.

 

[2010mini]

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.

 

[orbital~debris]

For once, it would be nice if they could have had concurrent negotiations for deals in other markets. That way, they potentially could have launched the service first in Europe (or just the UK) autumn 2015, and brought it to the USA later in 2015/16.