Apple TV Streaming Service Release Date, Price: 25 Channels for $30-$40 Per Month Later This Year

Apple is reportedly planning to launch its own Internet-based streaming TV service later this year. Apple's plan surfaced recently when the company was reported to have held meetings with several broadcasters and cable TV channels to get the ball rolling.

The Wall Street Journal said when the streaming service is launched it will offer a number of broadcast channels such as ABC, CBS and Fox, and a number of cable channels including Discovery and ESPN. The streaming TV service from Apple will aim to provide customers with around 25 channels, leaving out other channels offered by media companies such as Disney, Fox and CBS Corp.

As for the price of the service, the Wall Street Journal estimated that it could be around $30 to $40, which is much expensive than other comparable services launched by HBO, Sling, Hulu and CBS.

According to unnamed sources privy to Apple's plan, the company is considering partnering with a number of media companies.

However, the meetings did not include NBC Universal or its subsidiaries as Apple reportedly does not want to partner with Comcast, NBC's parent company. This decision not to include Comcast was fuelled by the failed talks last year between the two companies surrounding the launch of Apple's streaming service. Those talks left Apple with the idea that Comcast was bent on prolonging the process while it released its own web-based set top box.

The Apple TV streaming service could soon get more competition as Sony is also looking to offer something similar but at a higher price.

The streaming service from Apple will enable people with a number of devices including iPhones, iPads and even its Apple TV set top box to get a bigger range of channels.