Apple To Launch Online TV Service: report
Apple's highly-rumored TV service may soon become a reality as the iPhone maker is in talks with programmers to offer a bundle of TV networks this fall, the Wall Street Journal reports. The service would have about 25 channels, anchored by broadcasters such as ABC, CBS and Fox, and be available across all devices powered by Apple's iOS operating system,the newspaper said.
Apple has been talking to Walt Disney CBS and Twenty-First Century Fox and other media companies to offer a "slimmed-down" bundle with channels like CBS, ESPN and FX, the Journal said.
Apple, which is aiming to price the new service at about $30 to $40 a month, plans to announce the service in June and launch it in September, the newspaper said.
Several media companies are considering joining streaming-only services, like HBO and CBS.
In January, Dish Network unveiled its video streaming service, named Sling TV. The $20 a month service will be available through Internet-connected devices such as Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Google Nexus Player for TVs, tablets, computers and smartphones.
Sony also plans to roll out a competing service this summer.