Apple’s new music streaming service is expected to launch this summer, and a fresh New York Times report reveals what to expect. Lining up with previous reports, it looks like Cupertino plans to offer a subscription-based service that promises exclusive access to popular new albums as its main feature.
As expected, the new service is largely being developed by the same team behind Beats, including music industry veteran Jimmy Iovine and Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor. One music executive even called it “Spotify with Jimmy Juice,” suggesting the company could put a focus on curated playlists along with high-profile albums. Meanwhile, Reznor has apparently been tasked with redesigning Apple’s Music app entirely.
Apple may also introduce an updated version of iTunes Radio with a focus on location-based music at the same time. The updated service could look more like traditional radio, instead of just acting as a Pandora clone.
The New York Times notes that Apple has struggled in recent negotiations with the music industry, especially when it comes to pricing for the new service. The Cupertino company no longer wields as much influence as it once did in this area, and this new service will be more about catching up to competitors than leapfrogging them entirely. Whether that’s enough to beat Spotify remains to be seen.
Source: NYTimes