Apple’s Upcoming Music Streaming Service Won’t Offer a Free Tier
Unlike iTunes Radio, Apple’s upcoming beats-based music streaming service won’t offer a free, ad-free version, according to Re/code. This doesn’t mean they won’t offer a free trial to the service. According to anonymous sources who talked to SVP Eddy Cue and Beats Music co-founder Jimmy Iovine, the leads behind the project. The music business “needs to get behind a paywall.”
“Sources say Apple would like to make a splash by getting high-profile artists to distribute their music with Apple before it makes its way to other services,” the report says. The timing of the services couldn’t have been more perfect.
Sony Music, back in November, said they were reevaluating the free music streaming service. Warner Music Group CEO Stephen Cooper also noted that they were losing interest in the ad-based free music streaming industry. In terms of pricing, Apple will be providing a more affordable price point of $8 a month. In comparison, Spotify, Rdio and other similar services charge a $10 premium.
The streaming service is rumored to become available as apart of an upcoming iOS 8.4 update, integrated directly into the stock music app.