Idea simply 'floated' during negotiations

Recently-reported talks -- in which Apple was rumored to be interested in investing in Twitter -- were actually linked to Apple's eventual integration of Twitter into iOS, the Wall Street Journal reports. Last week the New York Times indicated that Apple had "in recent months" been having discussions about investing several hundred million dollars into Twitter. The story died very quickly, however, when publications like the Journal revealed that the talks had actually taken place over a year ago, and hadn't led to any serious consideration by Apple.

Sources familiar with the talks now tell the Journal that Apple had just floated the idea when it was in negotiations to integrate Twitter into its products. iOS 5 gained native Twitter functions last year, and OS X Mountain Lion introduced options last week. The sources elaborate that, as was reported before, no serious plans for investment ever developed.

Apple and Twitter allegedly "remain tight" however, still talking about future product integrations. One focus is said to be on more closely linking Twitter with iTunes, according to two of the sources.

by MacNN Staff