Next Generation Apple TV Will Only Launch in 2015: Report

Apple has reportedly been working on the next-generation of Apple TV for a while, however, a new report suggests that the Cupertino giant will not release the new model until at least 2015.

A report on Wednesday by The Information quoting a person familiar with Apple's plans suggests that the engineering team behind Apple TV have already been told by their 'bosses not to expect a launch this year' and they should continue to work seeking a 2015 launch for the new Apple TV.

The reason behind the delayed launch as explained in the report (via 9to5Mac) is the uncertainty the company is facing due to ongoing discussions of deals with cable companies, as well as the pending Comcast-Time Warner Cable merger.

(Also see: Apple developing a set-top box, in talks with Comcast for streaming service: Report)

"That's Apple perception, to be sure. On the content side, cable executives and TV programmers say Apple has bit off more than it can chew and deny they're the holdup. They say Apple needs permission from multiple types of rights holders to create the service it wants to offer," notes the report.

(Also see: Apple Slashes iMac, Mac Mini, Apple TV Prices in India)

As learnt from a previous report, Apple is also rumoured to introduce Siri on the overhauled Apple TV. The report had claimed to find a reference code within the iOS 7.1 SDK (software development kit), indicating Apple's plan with Siri for the streaming device. Later, from another report, it was suggested that Apple might get 'Continuity' features along with OS X, iOS for the Apple TV.

The Information's report further adds, "The new update [to Apple TV] could also support new types of content such as apps. The new version of the Apple TV software is said to be in development alongside the aforementioned iOS 8.1 release, so it seems likely that the two systems will launch in tandem late in 2014 or early next year."