Apple launches new music service
In streaming music, Apple is a late entrant that is up against many rivals. But the transformation of the business is only just beginning. According to previous information, Apple Music is expected to be available on Tuesday from 5 p.m. Central European Time.
This coincides with the release of a new version of the iOS mobile operating system. With the new music service, the iPhone company wants to regain the initiative in the business. Apple Music includes a streaming service where songs are played directly from the internet, as well as free internet radio. Apple has so far focused on selling music for download and is number one in this business. Streaming services only brought in a good tenth of the music industry's global revenue of around 15 billion dollars last year. However, they are becoming increasingly popular with users. It is by no means the first streaming service, Apple is more of a late entrant. However, the music industry is hoping that Apple can persuade its customers to pay a monthly subscription fee, while ad-financed free offers are more popular with current streaming services. For example, the current streaming market leader Spotify only has around 20 million paying subscription customers among its 75 million users. At the same time, industry managers emphasize that this is already a high proportion compared to other online businesses such as online games.
Apple also has Android users in its sights
Apple is focusing on a broad market launch. The music service is to be available in more than 100 countries. In addition to the approximately 800 million customers with Apple devices, Apple also wants to attract users of smartphones with the Google Android system - there will also be an app for them in the fall. An important element of the subscription offer is the "Connect" section, in which musicians can offer new songs to their fans. At the launch, a new song by Pharrell Williams, among others, will initially only be available on Apple. Musicians such as Dr. Dre and Elton John will have their own radio shows. (SDA)
