Rumor: Next-gen Apple TV to arrive this fall, streaming TV service pushed back to 2016 as negotiations encounter hurdles

If you were hoping for a next-gen Apple TV device, it looks like it will be out this fall.

If you were looking for Apple’s TV streaming service, you might have to wait until next year.

Sources close to the story have stated that while Apple originally wanted to announce a live streaming service at this year’s iPhone event, those plans were put on ice as deals with major networks like CBS, 21st Century Fox and NBC have yet to be brokered.

The negotiation process has apparently been touch-and-go, as Apple is working on securing broadcasting rights for both national networks and local content.

Noted Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said there is a 50-50 chance that Apple would unveil its OTT service during next month’s iPhone event.

Apple also apparently lacks a network infrastructure that can feed a large number of Apple TV devices. Apple supposedly needs to populate servers around the U.S. with content to ensure a smooth streaming experience, but so far only fields data centers in California, Nevada, North Carolina and Oregon. The company has been building out a proprietary network, but currently leans heavily on Akamai to handle its content distribution grunt work.

Bloomberg has stated that Apple’s streaming service would retail for about US$40 per month, although past rumors have stated that Apple will market a so-called “skinny” channel bundle with participation from major networks and select cable offerings, though licensing fees and final customer cost were up in the air.

In the end, it comes down to negotiation and arguing and additional haggling.

As always, let us know what you think in the comments.

Via AppleInsider and Bloomberg