Apple Daily: No Apple MVNO; iPhone 6c in 2016 (Maybe); Five More Beats 1 Stations

Were you excited about Apple's rumored experiments into becoming its own wireless carrier? Well, it's not going to happen, according to a statement from the Cupertino company itself. In addition, the "iPhone 6c" might not be dead, but we're not going to see it for a while; and it appears that Apple has the authority to create five additional radio stations like Beats 1 if it so wishes.

Apple Denies It's Trying to Become a Wireless Carrier

Well, that was quick. Apple usually doesn't rush to quash rumors, but the Cupertino company wasted no time in denying yesterday's report from Business Insider that it was looking to become its own wireless carrier — or, most specifically, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). Earlier this afternoon, Apple sent a statement to CNBC, Reuters, and other outlets claiming that: "We have not discussed not do we have plans to launch an MVNO."

That's about as emphatic as you get get. In fact, it's worth noting that Apple hasn't made similar statements regarding other seemingly far-fetched rumors, such as the one that claims that the personal computing giant is currently trying to create its own electric car. With that direct and swift of a response, it seems likely that Apple means it.

Investors apparently aren't too happy with the news, as the company's stock fell by 3.80 percent after Apple's statements went out.

No 'iPhone 6c' This Year, But Maybe in 2016

Earlier we reported a rumor saying we won't be seeing an heir to the plastic-encased iPhone 5c this year, but according to a new rumor from DigiTimes, we could be seeing on in 2016. Manufacturers along the supply line are reportedly already preparing to make the device, and it's thought that if it does see the light of day, it won't be until around the second quarter of next year.

Source: iPhonesoft.fr

The report claims that Apple is using 14- to 16-nanometer FinFET chips manufactured by TSMC and Samsung to make the devices, although Apple originally wanted to use 20-nanometer chips from TSMC. Although smaller, the other ships would reportedly help with the device's power consumption.

Rumors (and parts leaks) about the so-called iPhone 6s have been circulating for some time, but the general consensus is that Apple ceased speedy development on the device (or devices) out of worries that it would cut into the still-impressive sales for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

Apple Has Rights to Make Five More Stations Like Beats 1

Apple's Beats 1 radio station is off to a good start, and according to industry insider sources who spoke with The Verge, Apple's licensing agreements with record labels give it permission to create as many as five additional radio channels without having to consult with labels or artists. That means the Cupertino company could create new Beats 1 stations for specific countries (possibly in an effort to facilitate 24-hour broadcasts, up from the current 12) or make stations that cater to specific audiences.

And apparently, Apple is already taking steps that could lead to just that. As discovered by MacRumors, Apple has already registered domains that could fill in the necessary blanks — domans like beats2.com.cn, beats3.hk, and beats5.com.ru. It's thought that Apple may have been given permission to make the new stations on account that it's believed to be paying more on a per-play basis than rival Pandora.

There are hints that Apple might indeed be readying itself such a push. The company recently launched a massive marketing campaign for Apple Music, and advertisements for the service are popping up in Tokyo, Toronto, Mexico City, and in homegrown metropolises such as Los Angeles. In addition, Billboard just announced that music streamed on Apple Music now counts toward the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard 200. With that kind of momentum, we may only be seeing a touch of what Apple Music will eventually achieve.

Follow this article's writer, Leif Johnson, on Twitter.