More iTV rumors: Apple could strike major streaming deal with Epix

Apple may be in talks with movie channel EPIX about the ever-rumored Apple television, which co-founder Steve Jobs alluded to prior to his death.

According to Reuters’ sources, Apple started meeting with EPIX earlier in the year to discuss a new streaming deal, which would be featured on the company’s television. EPIX is backed by three major studios — Lionsgate, MGM, and Paramount Pictures — and could give Apple some great content right out of the gate.

The streaming deal would start playing over Apple TV, a device that allows you to stream content supplied by the likes of Netflix and iTunes to your television. But it would also be available to any future streaming devices made by Apple, as well as the iPhone and iPad, according to one of Reuters’ sources.

Netflix currently has an exclusive deal with EPIX to be the sole streamer of its content. The deal was struck in 2010 and expires this September, leaving Apple room to swoop in. In March it was said that Apple was being shut out by content providers after holding meetings for a potential streaming service of its own. Whether this deal with EPIX will be successful remains to be seen.

The TV is rumored to be called “iTV” and have features in it such as Siri-based remote control, various content deals, streaming from the iPhone/iPad to the big screen, and more. Early last month, Apple was rumored to be launching the iTV this summer, according to analyst Peter Misek. Misek found parts that would be found in the rumored television being sent to Apple Asia. His original prediction was a target launch of May/June, but as summer creeps closer, that deadline seems less likely.

via Reuters, Apple iTV mockup image by Guilherme Schasiepen