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Web TV subscription service for Apple TV not expected to be announced at WWDC

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Apple’s web TV-based subscription service for the new Apple TV is not expected to be introduced alongside the new set-top-top box next week, according to Re/code. This is not entirely surprising, as we reported in May:

As expected, the new box will also integrate with Apple’s upcoming “Live TV” cable-replacement service, but it appears that the service will launch after the hardware. Current next-generation prototype Apple TVs are still loaded up with cable subscription-dependent apps, according to a source. Sources who have used internal next-generation Apple TV development units say that prototypes are about “twice as large” as the current Apple TV box, but the shipping product is expected to be slimmer than the current puck-like version. Internally, the new Apple TV hardware is said to be codenamed “J34,” and the operating system is known as “MonarchTide.”

It is unclear if this pause on the Web TV service rollout will effect the launch of the long-expected refreshed Apple TV hardware.

Early reports have said that the service will cost between $30-$40 per month and replace the traditional cable box with over 25 individual channels played through the new Apple TV. The service is still expected to launch between this fall and next year, according to today’s report, and CBS said it was in talks with Apple as of May to support the launch.

Even without the new subscription service, Apple could still have plenty to talk about regarding the Apple TV at WWDC. We’re expecting a redesigned box with Siri integration, an App Store for third-party developers to sell their own TVKit apps, and a redesigned remote control. Also on tap for WWDC: iOS 9, OS X 10.11, Apple Watch updates, and Apple Music.

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Comments

  1. surfingarbo - 9 years ago

    “We’re expecting a redesigned box with Siri integration, an App Store for third-party developers to sell their own TVKit apps, and a redesigned remote control. Also on tap for WWDC: iOS 9, OS X 10.11, Apple Watch updates, and Apple Music.”

    Those last two sentences make me very excited!

  2. cleesmith2 - 9 years ago

    An SDK for Apple TV apps/channels is all I really want to see on this product at WWDC

  3. PMZanetti - 9 years ago

    As long as the hardware/OS is drastically updated I could still care less about a subscription.

  4. What so you think about the Price of a neu AppleTV?
    $199?

    • If it’s $199 it’s too expensive and will forever remain a niche product.

    • Dafty Punk - 9 years ago

      The money is the the recurring subscriptions, not the box. I’d hope they sell it for next to nothing.

      • Rich Davis (@RichDavis9) - 9 years ago

        Yeah, $69 is pretty affordable for most people, even $99 is pretty affordable, I doubt Apple is going to raise the price of the box unless it offers dramatic features that require a more expensive unit. I can see them maybe adding more features and offering several different boxes with different capabilities.

  5. xprmntr - 9 years ago

    $149

  6. I bet it will remain at 99 US$

    • Kevin Stuckey - 9 years ago

      Since it’s a premium product, I’d expect a price point of at least $149. The Apple Watch Sport, which was thought to be about $200-$300, was more than expected. If we aim for $149 for the Apple TV, we will be pleasantly surprised if it’s any lower :)

  7. RP - 9 years ago

    Apple needs to forego entrenched TV players that make it difficult for them and focus on new content and new players. New content is king and always will be. Open it up to production companies and also to amateur consumer YouTube type content. But there is no real need to beg entrenched players into moving them kicking and screaming into the modern world. Just leapfrog them like the iPhone did MS with the internet.

  8. Haven (@havenyoung) - 9 years ago

    If there’s gonna be a new SDK, then I don’t think they will skip WWDC for the refreshed hardware. That’s what I’ve been waiting for.

  9. The Apple TV plays all of my movies from my computer. If I want to play games I use my PS4. I really don’t see how much the ATV could offer as I won’t be ordering a subscription channel service.

  10. Chris Sanders - 9 years ago

    Its true if the NYT says it is.

  11. adelesamantha2015 - 9 years ago

    Great article. For those who live outside US like me, you can access Netflix, Hulu and similar media stations on your Apple TV by using UnoTelly or similar tools.