Apple not preparing to swoop in on Time Warner if AT&T takeover fails - report

Time Warner Center in New York City.

Apple hasn't submitted a bid, though in theory the situation could change, sources told CNBC. In late October, AT&T announced a deal to buy Time Warner worth over $85 billion — there has already been public and political opposition to such an enormous merger, however, which could result it in the deal being blocked, and possible openings for other companies.

Past reports have said that Apple raised the prospect of buying Time Warner in talks several months ago, but that it never went beyond preliminary stages or involved the companies' CEOs. Apple has allegedly been monitoring AT&T's moves, but possibly because of how a Time Warner deal would affect content Apple can sell or stream.

Time Warner is a massive media conglomerate on its own, owning networks like HBO, TBS, and CNN, studios like Warner Bros., and by extension DC Comics. For Apple controlling this would give it a major edge in content, particularly if it can finally launch its rumored streaming TV service.

At the same time, Apple is unlikely to invest in businesses it has no experience with, and their own entanglements such as contracts with cable and satellite providers.