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Apple to Launch iTunes Powered TV Subscription Plans [Rumor]


More and more content is available online for free — legally — than ever before. However, as a result, some customers are moving from the cable box to the computer screen, and dropping their premium subscriptions as a result.

Last month, a News Corp exec said that Hulu is considering adding a subscription model to the service. They aren't alone; according to AllThingsD, Apple is pitching TV networks on the idea of a monthly subscription service that would allow users to watch TV programs from multiple sources, using Apple's extensive iTunes distribution system.

Apple has raised the idea of video subscription services before, but has met resistance because content providers fear that they will lose viewers to more lucrative traditional advertising models. However, now that web-based TV delivery is already on a tear, Apple might have a better shot at making some deals.


Apple's basic pitch to media companies would be that if it could convert a chunk of its more than 65 million iTunes account owners into paying $30 a month for subscription content (we assume that the content would be limited to certain groups and not open to everything in the store), content providers could find a new revenue stream in the digital space.

So far, The Wall Street Journal reports that none of the major media companies have agreed to a deal with Apple, but if any company was to sign on, all bets point at Disney. Steve Jobs is Disney's largest shareholder and Apple and Disney have a longstanding content relationship.

This is all really speculative, but would you pay $30 a month or more to get your TV content through Apple and iTunes? Let us know!

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