It also wants "at least some" outlets to commit to supplying news for at least a year. Publishers are split on this, according to the sources -- some want a longer commitment, while others want a chance to back out sooner.

The price isn't set in stone, but it's tentatively set to cost the same $10 per month that you pay for Apple Music.

Whatever Apple's plans, it might not have much time to sort things out. BuzzFeed sources say that Apple is planning a special event for March 25th that would focus on the subscription news service, giving the company less than two months to find common ground and avoid a delay. There's certainly pressure to announce before March is over. Apple is still reeling from its slow iPhone sales, and investors will want signs that the tech giant's shift toward services is going smoothly.