Days ahead of the start of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, a new report has emerged that’s trying to predict what Apple will announce at the event.
Sources speaking to the Wall Street Journal say that Apple will use WWDC to announce “a new set of music services” that’ll compete with Spotify, Pandora, and regular radio stations. Apple’s service will reportedly include a $10 per month on-demand streaming service similar to Spotify as well as an improved version of the ad-supported iTunes Radio service that’s got channels programmed and hosted by real DJs.
Again, Apple is expected to reveal this music service at WWDC next week. However, that announcement could reportedly be delayed if Apple is unable to make deals with major record labels like Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group ahead of WWDC. As for Beats Music, it’s said that Apple will keep Beats up and running for a while after the launch of its new service, with plans to keep both running until Apple can ensure that its new service is working smoothly.
It’s been long-rumored that Apple will announce its new music streaming offering at WWDC next week, so today’s report comes to support the previous rumors. What’s notable is that Apple is expected to charge $10 per month for on-demand access. Previous reports suggested that Apple was trying to get the labels to agree to a lower monthly price, but apparently the Cupertino firm couldn’t get that done. What will be interesting is seeing how Apple tries to convince non-streamers to start ponying up for a premium subscription, something that other services like Spotify have been struggling with.
Do you currently use any streaming music services? If so, which ones?