A new report claims that Apple will launch a new cross-platform music streaming service based on Beats Music at WWDC 2015. The company is also planning a redesigned Apple TV that will include an App Store.
Apple originally unveiled the first generation Apple TV in September 2006, and Steve Jobs described the device as a work-in-progress and a "hobby." The set-top box began shipping to customers in March 2007 and is believed to be the precursor to an actual television Apple has been rumored to be working on for years.
A new report claims that Apple is finishing up development of a new and redesigned Apple TV set-top box, which was initially expected to ship as early as this month. The device is reportedly slimmer than its predecessors and will ship with a more capable and tactile remote control. The updated Apple TV is also said to feature a redesigned UI and OS that will finally bring Apple's App Store to the big screen. It's unclear when Apple will officially unveil its next-generation Apple TV but it could make an appearance at its June 8-12 Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco.
Apple is also planning on integrating its recently acquired Beats Music streaming service into its iTunes streaming service. We reported back in February that the new service would also mark Apple's first entry into releasing an Android application.
"Apple currently plans to launch the new music service as part of an iOS 8.4 upgrade for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch following WWDC, but a final decision has not yet been made. It's possible that the service will be bundled into iOS 9 this fall, which is expected to have a significant focus on bug fixes and stability improvements," according to 9to5Mac.
The report also claims that Apple plans on undercutting the $9.99 monthly price currently offered by Spotify and Rdio, and could be priced at $7.99 per month.
As with all Apple rumors, it's best to take them with a huge grain of salt for now. We'll be sure to keep you updated when new information becomes available.
