Apple TV May Acquire Warner Bros. Discovery Library

Apple may be exploring one of its biggest entertainment deals yet. According to Bloomberg, Apple has shown interest in acquiring parts of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), particularly its vast film and television catalog. WBD owns iconic brands like HBO, CNN, DC Entertainment, Discovery Channel, and Cartoon Network, which together represent decades of entertainment history.

While Apple hasn’t confirmed any plans, discussions reportedly include the possibility of acquiring only WBD’s content library and production assets. Other divisions could be sold separately to companies such as Netflix, Amazon, Paramount, or Comcast, all of which have also expressed interest.

Warner Bros. Discovery Opens the Door for Bidders

Warner Bros. Discovery has begun a strategic review to explore all options after receiving multiple acquisition inquiries. The company plans to send nondisclosure agreements to potential bidders soon. This would allow them to access confidential financial data and submit formal offers.

The company has already rejected three previous bids from Paramount, including one valued at $24 per share. Paramount’s recent merger with Skydance Media makes it less likely to pursue another offer. Instead, WBD may split its cable TV and streaming businesses to attract multiple buyers.

Why This Move Could Transform Apple TV

For Apple, acquiring WBD’s content library would mark a major strategic shift. The company has so far focused on original productions under Apple TV (formerly Apple TV+). Adding Warner Bros. Discovery’s legendary catalog, including Game of Thrones, The White Lotus, and The Dark Knight, would instantly expand Apple’s streaming catalog with globally recognized titles.

Market research by Antenna found that 21% of HBO subscribers in the U.S. already pay for Apple TV, suggesting a strong overlap in audiences. By integrating WBD’s premium content, Apple could attract millions more subscribers while competing more directly with Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.

Eddy Cue’s Take on Potential Acquisitions

Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, Eddy Cue, recently spoke about acquisition rumors on The Town podcast. He emphasized that Apple prefers to build rather than buy, saying:

“We’re not actively looking at buying any company of any size. We like building things ourselves.”

However, Cue didn’t fully dismiss the idea, adding that he “never says no to anything” and acknowledging that unexpected opportunities can arise. This openness has fueled speculation that Apple may be reconsidering its long-standing strategy of building rather than acquiring.