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Tim Cook says Apple is interested in both content creation and ownership

In typically vague fashion, Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook evaded questions and offered little in the way of details during his company's quarterly earnings conference call on Tuesday. But his comments on original content could fuel speculation that Apple plans to make more original content or perhaps acquire a high-profile content maker.

At the moment, Apple is working on some limited original content, such as the "Planet of the Apps" documentary series coming to Apple Music. And the company has also inked exclusive deals, most notably with Drake, for exclusive content.

In one context, Cook's comments on Tuesday could simply reflect those moves the company has already made.

But behind the scenes, Apple is said to have expressed interest in doing much more. And in that light, Cook's admission that Apple is interested in "content creation and ownership" could fuel speculation.

Notably, Apple is said to have considered a buyout of Time Warner in 2015. It was said that iTunes chief Eddy Cue and Time Warner officials held preliminary conversations, but they never progressed much further.

Apple is also said to be working on its first-ever scripted series, "Vital Signs," starring company executive Dr. Dre. And the iPhone maker also bought the rights to James Corden's "Carpool Karaoke" earlier this year.