Apple TV Postponed for WWDC as Device Not Ready for Prime Time: NYT [u]

With Re/code yesterday reporting Apple’s subscription TV service would no longer be ready in time for WWDC, many suspected how this would impact the rumours of refreshed Apple TV hardware.

Well, the New York Times has the answer, as unnamed “sources” now say the Apple TV upgrade will no longer be part of WWDC as it’s not ready yet for prime time (most likely impacted by the delay in subscription TV deals):

Yet one much ballyhooed device will be absent from the conference: a new Apple TV, Apple’s set-top box for televisions. The company planned as recently as mid-May to use the event to spotlight new Apple TV hardware, along with an improved remote control and a tool kit for developers to make apps for the entertainment device. But those plans were postponed partly because the product was not ready for prime time, according to two people briefed on the product.

[…]

The company decided to hold off an announcement because the product was not ready to be demonstrated, according to people briefed on the device.

Apple is expected to again announce its future plans for iOS, OS X, plus unveil its streaming music service developed from its acquisition of Beats. The delay of Apple TV and Apple’s subscription deals with content providers are “because they have not come to an agreement on price, rights and technology issues,” say people familiar with discussions.

Update: BuzzFeed News says Apple “changed its mind and abandoned those plans sometime last month.” So it looks like this wasn’t exactly a last minute decision?

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