AppleInsider Staff
Rumors surrounding Apple's purported subscription online television service are gathering steam, as a report on Tuesday claims Discovery and Viacom are in talks over partnership possibilities, joining other major content providers for what could be a disruptive product launch later this year.
Adding to reports that Apple is planning to make a splash in Web-based subscription television, The Wall Street Journal now claims Discovery and Viacom are also in talks to offer programming through a supposed over-the-top Internet service. Yesterday, the publication cited sources as saying Apple is discussing options with Disney, CBS and 21st Century Fox.
Netting one or both broadcasters would be a major step for Apple, as Discovery owns the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and TLC, while Viacom controls MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon. Viacom was one of the providers rumored to be engaged in direct negotiations with Apple over a similar solution in 2013.
Apple has not commented on the matter, but informed sources were quoted as saying the service could run between $30 and $40 per month. With subscription fees, users would be able to view content on Apple TV set-top streamers and iOS devices.
Noticeably absent from the list of potential partners is NBCUniversal, which carries channels like USA and Bravo. Comcast, NBC's parent company, was reportedly considering a hardware solution with Apple, but discussions broke down last year, souring the relationship.
Whispers of Apple's over-the-top Web-based subscription service started years ago. Pundits view a potential Apple entry as a market disruptor to a deeply entrenched cable industry.
Last month, rumors of an online service that would sidestep cable companies resurfaced as Apple reportedly restarted talks with content owners.
Earlier today, a report claimed Apple is attempting to sweeten the pot by offering providers access to user data, including "who [the] viewers are, what they watch and when they watch it." If Apple decides to relinquish such information, it would represent a marked change in course from the company's usually solicitous data sharing policies.
According to the most recent rumblings, Apple could announce at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference in June, with a fall launch date to follow.
Andrew Orr
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
60 Comments
Honestly, Comcast and NBC are such sleazeballs that I'd prefer Apple be the one to bring them to their knees.
Though if I'm honest I wouldn't watch any NBC programming anyway (Olympics are boring since baseball was eliminated).
That's a lot of cash for a lot of shit content. I hope the subscription will be variable in the sense that you're only paying for the channels you choose. Then again the concept of 'channels' is old fashioned anyway.
So maybe a modest basket of channels for a modest price. Maybe costlier than satellite?
Discovery is great and probably inexpensive.
Viacom has a lot of stuff. Apple needs to carefully pick the content.
Looking forward to AppleTV.
People keep comenting online that it expensive for the amount of content or will cost more than cable/satellite. But first, we still have no idea what Programming will be on there yet. If say Discovery is on there that could encompass 5-10 channels on my current cable TV. yes it might not be a one solution fits all for everyone.. but if I watch 5 channels now and pay $100 and can watch the same channels with AppleTV for $30 then yes I am saving money. If it includes local channels then it even saves me putting up an antenna if I am even allowed to put one up depending on my living situation (Apt/HOA?). For some people it would allow them to spend the same amount overall but get a lot more programming for the same money. Example.. I watch NHL Hockey. cable now maybe lets me watch a few games here and there and not my favorite team often. If I can pay $30-$40 to watch what I am watching now..then I am able to subscribe to the NHL GameCenter LIVE on Apple TV I can get all the games, watch anytime on multiple devices. Even with that included it would more than likely be less than what my package is now. Another possibility is now a person can afford to buy a show on iTunes not even available to them on their currant cable/satellite like BBC content.