Apple today announced Apple Music, its new streaming music service. In addition to streaming the entire iTunes catalog, the service includes curated playlists.
Apple Music Connect allows artists – large and small – to share with fans through a variety of media, including photos, short clips, and videos. Connect integrates with Facebook and has its own social features.
A global radio station called “Beats 1” is also included. Apple has rebuilt iTunes Radio and reportedly staffed it with big name artists like Dr. Dre, will.i.am, Pharrell, and Drake acting as DJs. It is also bringing on experienced talent like BBC’s Zane Lowe to help curate stations. Jimmy Iovine, who has been heading up Apple’s renewed push into music, reportedly tried to sign other big names like Kanye West and Beyoncé to exclusive deals, but lost out to Tidal.
The first station is called BeatsOne and will be available in 100 countries. It’s going to be playing tunes round the clock and will be anchored by three DJs: Zane Lowe, Ebro Darden, and Julie Adenuga. Subscribers can skip as many tracks as they like. Apple’s Eddie Cue says that the music it recommends to you “isn’t just algorithms, it’s recommendations made by our team of experts.”
A section of the app is devoted to new music.
Apple bought Beats – which had its own, similar streaming music service with curated playlists – one year ago. The app requires iOS 8.4. The service will cost $9.99 per month, or $14.99 for a family of up to six people.
It will be available first on iOS, starting this month, followed by Android this fall. The first three months are free.
