Unlike other streaming media services, Apple’s new subscription music service announced yesterday WILL be “available in your country” when it goes live at the end of this month.
“Apple Music,” which is expected to challenge other powerful rivals such as Spotify and Pandora, will allow users to stream millions of songs on demand, personalise playlists and offer a free live radio service called “Beats 1” which features exclusive interviews, guest hosts and music news.
The service launches June 30. Subscription rates in Thailand haven’t been announced yet, but they’re set for the US market at USD9.99 (about THB340) per month with a family plan for up to six people at USD14.99 (about THB500).
It will initially be available to consumers with Apple devices and later this year to those using Android — a shift for Apple, which aims to attract customers from the rival mobile system dominant around the world.
“This will be the first Apple-branded app or service to reach Android and is a strategic shift for Apple in its approach to the main rival smartphone platform,” said IHS Technology head of mobile analysis Ian Fogg.
Apple has traditionally limited popular services or content to its own devices, keeping people in its “eco-system” and promoting sales of its hardware.
Opening Apple Music to rival mobile phones or tablets could signal that the iconic company is out to create a stand-alone platform to dominate the way music is listened to in the age of streaming digital content, according to analysts.
Chief executive Tim Cook announced Apple Music service on Monday, boasting that it “will change the way you experience music forever.”
“Apple Music is really going to move the needle for fans and artists,” said Apple’s Jimmy Iovine, who came to the California tech giant when it purchased Beats Music.
“All the ways you love music, all in one place.”
