NYT: no new Apple TV at WWDC

Apple TV (teaser 001)

Apple has apparently decided to postpone the announcement of a new Apple TV at WWDC next week, according to The New York Times. In a sweeping report on what to expect from the annual developer’s conference, the publication says the highly anticipated refresh of Apple’s set-top box is no longer in the cards for Monday’s keynote.

In March, the well-connected John Paczowski of BuzzFeed reported that Apple would unveil a slimmer, more powerful Apple TV with a native App Store at this year’s WWDC. And since then, subsequent reports have reinforced the story, with the Times claiming that the new device would feature a redesigned remote with a built-in touchpad.

Today’s report from the Times says that as recently as mid-May, Apple was still planning on unveiling the new TV hardware, along with an improved remote control and a tool kit for developers to make native big-screen apps. But the company has decided to postpone those plans partly because the product is not quite “ready for prime time.”

Additionally, Apple has been struggling to reach deals with content providers for its subscription TV service, which it hoped would help differentiate its set-top box from other offerings. Echoing a recent Recode report, the Times says that major pain points in the negotiations have included disagreements on price, streaming rights and technology.

It sounds like everything else we are expecting is still on track, though. The Times states that Apple is still planning to announce several refinements for iOS and OS X, a new tool kit that will allow developers to create native Watch apps, and a revamped streaming music service. Apple’s WWDC keynote starts at 10am PST on Monday, June 8.

Source: NYT