Apple in talks to launch online TV service: Report

Apple is reportedly in talks with broadcasters and programmers to launch an online television service later this year. It will start with a slim bouquet of about 25 channels — the major ones — priced competitively around $30 and $40 a month, according to The Wall Street Journal.

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Apple is reportedly in talks with broadcasters and programmers to launch an online television service later this year. It will start with a slim bouquet of about 25 channels — the major ones — priced competitively around $30 and $40 a month, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced earlier this month an exclusive tie-up with HBO Now, an online streaming service, granting a glimpse into the company's plans.

The Journal said Apple is talking to all major broadcasters such as CBS and Fox, but not NBC, with which the company had a fall out over an online collaboration.

Apple is expected to announce the service in June and launch it in September, to be accessed on iOS-powered devices such as iPhone, iPads and Apple TV set-top boxes.

Much has been written and said about Apple's TV plans, which have been around for a while but have never come up to expectations — Apple TV, for instance.

Cook announced a price cut for Apple TV, bringing it down from $99 to $69, which, some analysts said, reflected the company's frustration with a stalled project. Even at $69, most tech experts said, the set-top was no match for rivals such as Hulu.