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Apple reportedly wants to include live local programming in TV bundle, reveal next month unlikely

Apple TV

The timing for the launch of Apple’s planned web-based TV service may depend on if and when the company can secure the rights to include content from local TV stations, Re/code reports. While Apple has been believed to be working on service that bundles access to a handful of channels delivered over the Internet, the new report claims that Apple wants to include live local programming from TV stations to both broaden the appeal of the service — especially with cord cutters — and satisfy industry executives…

Earlier this week, we reported that Apple is readying its TVKit SDK that will allow developers to create apps for the upcoming Apple TV for the first time without requiring direct cooperation from Apple. Apple TV as a platform for new apps is believed to debut alongside new Apple TV hardware for the first time in several years, including a redesigned remote control and Siri integration with the set-top box as we’ve reported.

We also mentioned in our earlier report this week that the new Apple TV hardware will likely debut without the rumored web TV service in place while earlier reports have suggested the service bundle could be announced in June ahead of a September launch.

Today’s report, however, claims that Apple’s TV service may not be ready in time for even a fall launch, and that ” industry executives” believe no deals have yet been signed, making an announcement next month unlikely. As we recently reported, the new Apple TV hardware is expected to ship with the current content model.

That current model includes local programming from certain channels like ABC in select markets for cable subscribers, but access isn’t nearly as universal as it is through traditional cable without using Apple’s box.

Apple’s WWDC kicks off next month on June 8th where the Apple TV is expected to take part of the spotlight, and we’ll have extensive coverage of the news out of the event.

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Comments

  1. GadgetBen - 9 years ago

    Apple TV is the only Apple product for me that fails to exceed expectations. That is, it doesn’t do anything better than any other TV dongle or smart TV at present. It’s too much effort and takes up space and means more wiring cable.

    It needs to be USB size and plug into the TV. It also needs SIRI commands to compete with Samsung and the remote would be cool as a wand.

    Until then, I won’t use it. I download apps to my Sony TV, which works in nearly exactly the same way.

    • larry bic (@larbic) - 9 years ago

      I guess you haven’t paid much attention to this, eh? Apple TV will (r)evolutionize the TV experience. Fairly priced content access, for a change. AirPlay from any of your Apple devices is a huge plus. Siri will be there for you. Who cares if it’s the size of a phone instead of a USB stick? Is it completely different than your Sony TV (or other modern smart TV set) or a Roku box? No. Will it allow you to enjoy TV and content from your devices with simplicity and convenience at a fair price? Therein lies the reason d’être. And if they don’t get the local channels deal together, there’s always a $14 antenna from Radio Shack. We get all the networks, PBS and more for free and in far better HD than DirecTV or Cox cable. A thousand dollars a year in “cable” bills just eliminated. Yeah!

    • Robert Rooney - 9 years ago

      I gotta say that if that’s you’re opinion, you’re honestly not using the Apple TV correctly. Or in this case, it sounds like you’re not using it at all. For myself, behind the iPhone, Apple TV has been the 2nd biggest product to blow me away with how good it is.

      As a cord cutter, it has been the Apple TV that was able to make dropping pay TV possible. Unlike equivalent apps from other devices, you’re guaranteed to get full 1080i video quality. From there you have the Netflix, Hulu+, & HBO Now services that on their own are far cheaper than any cable or satellite bill. Combine that as well with not only the other premium pay channels with not just special interests but more diverse content than anyone else, and it’s still far cheaper than cable. Oh, and let’s also not forget all of the other free content as well.

      Best of all with these channels is that there are no image quality issues. Unlike companies like Comcast that both run high video compression, but they also downgrade everything to 720i to save bandwidth space. The Apple TV doesn’t do that at all. Which again is also something that you cannot promise with other subpar apps that are bundled into TVs. Which I too can attest that OTA video that I get with my antenna is also far better than any video quality I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Again thanks to the lack of video compression being imposed.

      Finally there is the iTunes Store. For TV shows, I can just pick and choose what shows I want without having to pay for a TV subscription. And then there’s the movies. iTunes has TONS and TONS of movies constantly on sale. From bundled packs, to their usual weekly $5 HD movie special. Leaving out the fact that I can stream the films to multiple devices across the nation to people with Family Sharing, I can’t purchase HD Blu Ray movies from Wal Mart as cheap as I can from iTunes! And that also includes DVD Bonus material as well which is now included with iTunes movies. Best of all, I don’t need to spend even more money on yet another device, another remote, and another HDMI cable to clutter everything up.

      I also use iTunes Radio too for mood music and while I’m doing chores around the house, so again you have additional features too. But hey, it’s all in what you make of it.

  2. This would ease the one concern I had about finally moving away from a cable tv subscription. I do watch the local channels for the news and other live events and have been hesitant to do that until something like this gets implemented. I used to subscribe to Aereo when it was around and it was a great service. This would be a great replacement. Get it done Apple!

  3. friarnurgle - 9 years ago

    I’m not paying for something with ads. PERIOD.

  4. Randall Frazier - 9 years ago

    Nobody cares about local channels. Just pull the pin already.

  5. chrisl84 - 9 years ago

    Apple spent too much time and energy on the dang Watch that will flop while ignoring the Apple TV for years with people begging for it to be taken to the next level.

    • Isiah Johnson - 9 years ago

      In what way is the Watch flopping? We have no statistics.

      • chrisl84 - 9 years ago

        Ummm yesterday shipping estimates got chopped in half because demand has dropped.

      • chrisl84 - 9 years ago

        Oh and today 9to5 is running another article how after the initial nerd surge no one else wants it…..so, yeah.

      • Isiah Johnson - 9 years ago

        Demand drops for all Apple Products in general.
        In this case it is worse because the watch has not made it to Apple Stores.
        My friend is still waiting for his 38mm in July even though he pre-ordered. Where are getting the chopped shipping estimates?

  6. Don Horne (@DonHorne) - 9 years ago

    I feel like this has been dragging on long enough. Just get the new hardware out then and update the OS with features over time.

  7. darkenv2 - 9 years ago

    that would be great if they can get local channels, sucks if it delays the launch though

  8. jimmy kraktov (@jimmy6p) - 9 years ago

    From what I understand if you want to do something ‘smart’ with your video screen, you can buy a ‘dongle’ for that purpose. If it’s included with the screen you buy you pay extra and when it becomes obsolete you’re out of luck. I’ve not invested in the Apple family and anything their video screen does I can do with the screen I already own. In my opinion, ‘smart’ screens are a waste of money. I’ll stick with dongles which so far I haven’t needed.

Author

Avatar for Zac Hall Zac Hall

Zac covers Apple news, hosts the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and created SpaceExplored.com.