Apple Pencils In March 25 For Media Event, Streaming TV Service And Apple News Subscriptions Expected

We've been hearing for quite some time that Apple is working on a streaming TV service that will serve as a counter to existing hit offerings like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. Today, Apple confirmed that impending arrival of the service with invites that were sent out to the press.

The invite doesn't really give much away with respect to what will be unveiled, but the "It's show time" moniker doesn't leave much to the imagination. On top of that, the invite also includes the requisite film countdown sequence which is no doubt a reference to the streaming video service.

Although Apple is expected to announce its streaming TV service at the event, reports indicate that it might not actually launch until later this year. According to the latest rumors, the service could actually launch this summer, or perhaps later in the fall.

Apple reportedly has over two dozen original TV shows currently in production that will be available at launch. However, given the stories we've heard about Apple meddling in the production of TV series’ and the company's insistence that content be "family friendly" with no overt nods to sex or extreme violence, it will be interesting to see how appealing this service will be to unrestrictive alternatives like Netflix.

Apple is also expected to launch a subscription Apple News service at the same event that will allow users to have unlimited access to paywalled content from heavy-hitting news organizations like the New York Times and the Washington Post for a flat $9.99 per month. 

At this point, it is unknown if the hardware products like the long rumors iPad and iPad mini refreshes along with a next-generation iPod Touch will be revealed at the event.