Rumors about an Apple TV, and associated Apple TV service are about as old as the history of rumor blogs. But according to a WSJ report, this fall could finally see Apple launching a streaming TV package, featuring a bunch of big-name broadcasters, available only on Apple devices.
The WSJ report lists ABC, CBS and Fox as broadcast partners at launch, which would meant that most of the big-name channels — crucially, including ESPN — would be available without having to shell out for a cable package. Guesstimates put the likely price point at $30 to $40 a month for 25 channels.
The only name missing out? NBC (which also means USA and Bravo), which is owned by Comcast, a company that apparently had a falling-out with Apple last year over — surprise surprise! — a streaming TV service.
One fact that adds a lot of weight to these rumors was the recent announcement that HBO's new streaming service will launch exclusively on Apple devices. That shows that Apple is serious about its future in TV, and according to the WSJ, is just the first move, with Apple's full masterplan set to launch this fall.
It goes without saying that an affordable streaming package, marketed to everyone who owns an iOS device, and easily connectable to your big screen through Apple TV, would be a Big Deal. Although other streaming services exist — and some aren't even half-bad! — Apple's size and reach could make cord-cutting go truly mainstream. We'll just have to wait and see if the WSJ's tea leaves are all in order. [WSJ]
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