UPDATED 02:00 EDT / MARCH 17 2015

Rumor: Apple set to launch 25-channel Web TV service in September

Apple TVApple is getting ready to announce a “slimmed-down” bundle of TV networks that will see the iPhone maker roll out its own Web TV service to all iOS devices, including iPhones, iPads and Apple TV set-top boxes in September.

Anonymous sources familiar with Apple’s plans told The Wall Street Journal that the company is in talks with programmers to create a 25-channel offering that will include content from broadcasters such as ABC, CBS and Fox.

Programming from NBCUniversal, Inc., which owns NBC broadcast network and cable channels such as USA and Bravo, will not be part of Apple’s offering. The sources said that NBCUniversal has been excluded from the talks due to a disagreement between Apple and Comcast Corp., NBCUniversal’s parent company.

Last year Apple and Comcast were in talks to collaborate on a streaming-TV service combining Apple’s much-loved user interface and Comcast’s expertise in broadband service delivery. The Journal’s sources said those talks broke down and ultimately caused a rift between the two companies, as Apple believes Comcast pursued its own initiatives contrary to the agreement.

Other content providers included in the talks are The Walt Disney Co., CBS Corp. and 21st Century Fox Inc. Apple’s aim is to deliver a “skinny” bundle of better-known channels, such as CBS, ESPN and FX, while excluding smaller networks and channels included in traditional cable TV packages.

According to some media executives, Apple’s Web TV service could cost in the region of $30 to $40 per month.

Apple’s Web TV service will compete against offers from Dish Network Corp., whose Sling TV costs $20 per month for the base package, and an upcoming offering from Sony Corp. that is expected to cost more than Apple’s offering.

The Wall Street Journal’s sources further confirm a rumor that surfaced earlier this year claiming that Apple was talking directly to TV programmers in an effort to strike deals that will let the company create its own “over-the-top” pay-TV service.

Last week Apple announced a deal with HBO that makes the channel’s premium content available on Apple TV, as well as access to HBO NOW, the streaming service due for launch in April.

Image via apple.com

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