Apple is reportedly in talks with several networks to create a streaming television package for consumers.
The Wall Street Journal reports Apple is working to create a bundle of around 25 TV channels including ABC, CBS, and Fox which would be available for a monthly fee.
The bundle could be watched through Apple devices like Apple TV, iPhone, and iPad. The tech giant is hoping to only include popular channels (like the big four networks in addition to ESPN and FX) instead of smaller ones so consumers can get the best bang for their buck.
The WSJ’s sources say Apple is aiming to price the subscription service between $30 and $40 per month. That’s nearly double the price of Direct TV’s new Sling TV service which lets you watch 20 channels including CNN and ESPN for $20/month (Sling just announced the addition of four channels this morning in addition to new tiers with even more channels).
In our opinion, Apple needs to set their price below $30 in order to go mainstream. After you throw in the cost of the internet, the two services could cost around $80 – $100 combined (especially if you add in HBO), which is comparable to what cable companies offer for television and internet deals.
The service is expected to debut in the fall, with Apple previewing the package at their Worldwide Developer’s Conference this June.
Apple currently has several apps on Apple TV which let you watch content from networks like Fox, CBS, and ABC, but these require cable subscriptions in order to be used.
Whether or not Apple’s service sounds enticing to you, it’s been a big year for cord-cutters. Sling TV and Apple aside, HBO is preparing to launch their standalone streaming service this April before the premiere of Game of Thrones season 5. Showtime said last week that they too are looking to launch a service for people who don’t have cable boxes.