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Apple’s anticipated TV subscription service has been delayed

Published Jun 1st, 2015 6:25PM EDT
Apple TV Subscription
Image: Apple

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With just one week before WWDC kicks off in San Francisco, one of the Apple announcements many folks were looking forward to the most has reportedly been delayed.

For months now, we’ve been hearing rumors of Apple rolling out a TV subscription service aimed at undercutting traditional cable TV providers with a more wallet-friendly $30-$40 pricepoint. Now comes word via Re/Code that licensing and money issues have pushed back Apple’s TV plans, perhaps as far back as 2016.

DON’T MISS: Why the iPhone 6s is poised to blow away all previous iPhone sales records

“The Cupertino technology company has told network executives the planned unveiling will be postponed because Apple has yet to finalize the licensing deals,” the report notes. “Industry executives predict Apple’s Web TV offering may not launch until later this year, or in 2016. Technology and money issues remain sticking points.”

While news that Apple’s rumored TV service is being delayed is disappointing, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise given how difficult it can be to navigate the murky world of TV licensing deals. Just last week, for instance, we highlighted how Apple was having trouble securing the rights to local broadcast stations for its planned TV initiative. You might also recall reports suggesting that Apple was having trouble reaching a deal with NBCUniversal.

Nonetheless, Apple should still have a few surprises in store for us come June 8, including the first public viewing of iOS 9, a Maps app with built-in transit directions (finally!), and of course, Apple’s upcoming music streaming service.

Yoni Heisler Contributing Writer

Yoni Heisler has been writing about Apple and the tech industry at large with over 15 years of experience. A life long expert Mac user and Apple expert, his writing has appeared in Edible Apple, Network World, MacLife, Macworld UK, and TUAW.

When not analyzing the latest happenings with Apple, Yoni enjoys catching Improv shows in Chicago, playing soccer, and cultivating new TV show addictions.