Apple Keeps a Close Watch on Time Warner to Boost Apple TV

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: APPL) is eyeing Time Warner's (NYSE: TMX) assets to boost the launch of its stand-alone streaming TV service, a New York Post reveals. If the acquisition will push through, the tech giant will then have access to the video content that it has long intended to offer as a complement to its Apple TV streaming device.

Time Warner Inc. owns a number of household channels such as CNN News, Turner Sports, as well as HBO, which produces shows that have been all time favorites such as “Sesame Street” and “Game of Thrones.” It also owns Warner Bros that has created quite a number of other popular TV shows and movies. These assets will be sufficient for Apple to launch its own streaming TV service. News revealing such plan has been circulating since last year. The company wanted to launch its streaming TV service along with the Apple TV 4 late last year, but due to its failure to reach an agreement with major production and entertainment houses out there, the company could not launch the service. The Wall Street says that Apple has been previously reported to be discussing with content producers its plan to launch a 25-channel TV Service this September and plans to offer the service from between $30 to $40 a month.

Another source has indicated that one of Apple’s officials, Eddy Cue, Head of Internet Software and Services, has been watching Time Warner closely to see if the company decides to put the company for sale.

Apple launched its fourth generation of the Apple TV set top box last year.  Many were disappointed that it didn't include the channel bundle, however. Offering a basic streaming bundle with a handful of channels for a low price is something that content owners cannot consent with, according to previous reports.

Through the recent partnership with HBO, Apple now grants Apple TV owners access to Game of Thrones without having to secure a separate subscription for it. However, HBO Now’s contract free and has been made available with a $15-subscription for all the HBO content accessed every month. If and when a buyout happens, Apple will then have greater access to contents such as CNN news, and Warner Brothers, and many others.