Apple TV streaming service release date rumours: Everything you need to know about Apple's rumoured streaming service
Here's everything we know so far about Apple's rumoured streaming service, including what it might feature and when it might be released.
See also: 10 expert tips to get the most out of your Apple TV
Apple TV Streaming Service: What is it
So, what is the Apple TV streaming service According to reports as far back as 2009, Apple has been trying to break into the TV industry. However, those 2009 rumours turned out to be just that - rumours. Fast forward to 2015 however and it looks like Apple may once again be setting their sights on the industry, according to a report by Re/Code. It's claimed that Apple is in talks with TV programmers about potential deals that could allow Apple to offer a payment based TV streaming service.
The idea is that instead of providing hundreds of channels to consumers like current paid TV offerings, Apple would put together bundles of popular TV channels and stream them directly to your iPhone, iPad or Apple TV using the internet. It means that Apple wouldn't be a stereotypical TV provider, but maybe that was Apple's plan all along - after all, Apple has a habit of taking existing technologies and improving them.
The report also claims that Apple has shown programmers demos of the proposed service, but talks are still in the early stages. It also mentions that there are several TV programmers that haven't even been approached by Apple yet. This could suggest that a release date are some way off, and it's unlikely that we'll see the service launch (especially in the UK) in 2015.
Don't get disheartened too quickly though. In May 2014, while speaking at the Code conference, Apple's Senior Vice President of Internet Software and Services Eddie Cue told Walt Mossberg that "the TV experience sucks". Is it time for an Apple inspired TV industry shake up
Apple TV Streaming Service: What will it offer
In an opposing report from the Wall Street Journal, it's claimed that Apple will announce the streaming service in June, which, coincidentally is the same time that the company holds its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). It would then be released in September, following a similar launch cycle to iOS.
Apple's WWDC 2015 invite with a very suspicious silouhette in the centre
With regards to cost, Apple's subscription will reportedly cost around $30-40 (probably US only service to start), which is a tad pricier than other American TV providers such as Sling TV, which offers a $20 base package. But what does this price tag get you It's claimed that the service will offer around 25 different channels, with the likes of ABC, CBS and Fox being lined up as partners.
There is one major US provider missing from that list - NBCUniversal. According to the WSJ, it's because Apple and NBCUniversal's parent company Comcast have had a falling out. "Apple and Comcast were in talks as recently as last year about working together on a streaming television platform that would combine Apple's expertise in user interfaces with Comcast's strength in broadband delivery," reports the Journal. "Apple came to believe that Comcast was stringing it along while the cable giant focused on its own X1 Web-enabled set-top box, the people said."
This goes against a report published by Re/Code which claims that the reason that Comcast isn't a part of the rumoured Apple TV streaming service is simply because Apple hasn't approached the company. Comcast apparently acknowledged its non talks with Apple in a letter sent to the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) as part of an effort to acquire its biggest competitor, Time Warner Cable.
The note was in reply to a note written by "Stop Mega Comcast", a coalition opposing the deal. The coalition claimed that Comcast may be withholding NBCUniversal content in an effort to "thwart new video competitors". Comcast responded by saying "Not only has NBCUniversal not 'withheld' programming from Apple's new venture, Apple has not even approached NBCUniversal with such a request."
It's interesting that denial of a working relationship becomes news, but that's what happens when Apple is involved. It's also worth noting that the likes of Fox, ABC, CBS and others haven't confirmed talks with Apple, and that the report is can be viewed as more of an acknowledgement that something may be happening, rather than concrete evidence.
But the question is - what's in it for the providers The New York Post has claimed that Apple has offered to share data with providers to get them on board with its internet-enabled TV streaming service. It's been claimed that Apple will provide companies with details regarding who its viewers are, what they watch as well as when they watch it. This could help providers with advertising, as Apple is taking a step back and letting providers decide whether ads will be included.
The tactic is an interesting one, as Apple is offering something that traditional cable companies, as well as the likes of Netflix and Amazon prime won't offer to providers. Why is this It could be to try and catch up to Sling TV, which offers a similar service without a cable TV subscription.
Apple is also apparently asking the TV providers to supply their own streams for the upcoming streaming service. According to TV industry executives, Apple is asking TV networks to handle both the responsibility and cost of the streaming infrastructure. It may not be a huge ask - many video services that are currently supported by Apple TV (including Fox in the US) organise their own streams by working with various content delivery networks, so this may be the next logical step.
Apple TV Streaming Service: Interface
When Apple showcased the Apple Watch at its 9 March event, it also announced a new and exclusive partnership with HBO to offer HBO Now, the premium channels first service outside of a traditional cable provider. The Apple TV app allows you to browse HBO's full catalogue of shows and films for $14.99 a month, and is iPhone/iPad/Apple TV exclusive for three months after its 10 April launch.
With that in mind, it's safe to assume that the interface of the Apple TV is unlikely to change after its redesign to fall in line with iOS 7.
Apple TV Streaming Service: When will it launch in the UK
According to the WSJ article we mentioned earlier, the service will be announced at WWDC 2015 (which falls in line with a possible Apple TV refresh) and will be released in the Autumn, with a September launch looking likely.
However, much like the launch of Apple Pay, the launch of Apple's TV streaming service is likely to be US only as the rumoured providers are mainly US based. With regards to a UK specific launch, there are no rumours and we don't expect a UK variation to be available this year.
See also: Tips for using Apple TV