Apple was recently reported to be planning on releasing its own streaming service during the second half of 2015. While we don't know the exact details of the service, recent rumors seem to imply that the service will cost anywhere between $30 and $40 and will provide access to Fox, CBS, ABC and their daughter channels.
However, recent rumors revealed that Disney may be pushing Apple over their content choices. as people with knowledge of the discussions say "Disney is pressing Apple to take most if not all of its channels, which include several channel spinoffs of its mainstays ESPN and Disney Channel, while Apple wants to take fewer channels in a bid to keep the price down for its service, which is expected to be launched later this year," The Street reported.
Apple hasn't officially signed deals with its content partners yet, so these negotiations give customers reason to speculate about who else the tech giant is talking to at this time. However, people on the inside have said that having a good relationship with Disney is really important, since "Disney's channels, which also include ABC Family, are considered essential for the young families and younger men who are among the most likely TV watchers to 'cut the cord' and choose lower-priced Internet-based options to their cable or satellite services," The Street reported.
Disney is a major advocate for bundle packages, and it has required cable providers in the past to provide access to most of their channels if they wanted to host them. For example, Disney's current contract with Dish TV's Sling TV service offers subscribers access to ESPN, ESPN2, ABC and Disney Channel (among other channels) for $20, though consumers can pay extra for access to other Disney-owned channels.
"We believe (our deal with Sling TV) is a worthwhile experiment or a worthy attempt to try to convince younger people to sign up to cable they wouldn't have signed up or might have waited," Disney CEO Bob Iger said.
Apple and Disney have not released official comment about the discussions.
