Rumor: Apple TV subscription service delayed to 2016

Apple is rumored to have delayed the launch of its Apple TV subscription service. According to "people familiar with Apple's plans," the company, which wanted to introduce its live TV service, is now aiming for a 2016 launch.

There are a number of factors supposedly contributing to the company's decision to delay the service. According to some, talks to license programming from television networks such as those owned by CBS Corp. and 21st Century Fox Inc. are "progressing slowly." Others claim that Apple doesn't yet have the computer network capacity to in place to ensure a an optimal viewing experience.

Apple is still widely expected to unveil the new Apple TV set-top box hardware this year, perhaps at its annual event in San Francisco next month, but it looks like its plans to launch the subscription service in time for the beginning of the new network TV station have hit a snag, as there just aren't enough content deals in place.

Customers will still be able to pruchase the set-top box, but you'll still — for now, at least — need a cable or satellite TV subscription to watch live network television, so don't cut that cord entirely just yet.

[Bloomberg]