Apple Music News: New Streaming Music Service to Rival Spotify?
Among the big news revealed by Apple during their World Wide Developers Conference is the launching of their new music streaming service called Apple Music. The music service, which will launch on June 30, will be integrated into the existing Music app.
The new music streaming service will reportedly cost $9.99 a month per user, but Apple will also be offering a special group or family plan for $14.99 a month for six family members. New subscribers will get three months for free, according to a report in Variety.
It will be made available in 100 countries, and will be accessible using iOS, Mac OS, and Windows on PC. A new Android app for the service is also being developed. It will also be made available via Apple TV later this fall.
What makes Apple Music different from the rest? Beats Electronics co-founder Jimmy Iovine took to the stage during the WWDC and said, "In 2015, the music industry is a fragmented mess. That's why Apple intended to bring curated radio, personal collections, an on-demand catalog and interaction with artists all in one place."
Components of the new service include "on-demand streaming," "curated radio service" called "Beats One" and "Connect," a platform for artist to "reach out to fans." Beats One will be dubbed at a worldwide radio station that will be streamed live from studios in New York, Los Angeles and London. It can be accessed the way other radio stations are accessed using the Apple Music app. The 24/7 radio show will be hosted by BBC 1 DJ Zane Lowe.
Connect is one unique feature of the new service. According to Apple, it will provide a platform for artists to "publish art and playlists" to help promote their albums and reach out and interact with their fans.
Apple Music will also have 10,000 ad-free HD music videos available for users.