While the latest Apple TV refresh is no slouch, it certainly pales in comparison to the rumored plans that Apple originally had for the device, which was to offer up more content like original programming, something that the company is reportedly still planning. However interestingly enough, Apple did consider acquiring some media companies to help bolster those efforts.
In a report from the Financial Times (paywall; via MacRumors), it seems that Apple actually considered acquiring Time Warner in 2015. For those unfamiliar, Time Warner plays home to the likes of CNN, HBO, TBS, and TNT, all of which would no doubt help boost Apple’s offerings in terms of video content.
However discussion of the acquisition never went beyond the preliminary stage and did not even include the higher-ups like the CEOs of either company, so we guess you could describe it as exploratory at best. That being said, the report adds that Apple is still looking to ramp up on the creation of original programming and will be spending hundreds of millions a year to help get them up to speed and compete with the likes of Amazon and Netflix.
No word on when exactly this will be taking place but last we heard, Apple was scouting Hollywood for some talent to help with their endeavors, which for all we know could mean that it’s still a long time coming.