Apple just unveiled a new music service, Apple Music, that takes the tech company into the streaming music business for the first time.
In a surprise twist, the service will be available via an Android app and Windows iTunes update later this fall, after launching on June 30 for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac. The service will cost 9.99/month, but Apple is offering a three-month free trial. Family memberships, for up to six people, will be available for $14.99/month.
The service consists of three main sections: A music service with tens of millions of tracks available for streaming or saving; a worldwide radio station, Beats 1, with curated content, news, guests and interviews; and a section called “Connect,” where musicians can provide specialized content to their fans.
Apple brought digital music into the mainstream with iTunes downloads, but the company has previously avoided the streaming market, where Spotify, Rhapsody and many other services are mainstays.
At its Worldwide Developers Conference this morning, Apple is focusing heavily on the extra features, including the Beats 1 radio station and the Connect section for artists and fans. In addition, the Apple Music app integrates with the user’s existing iTunes library.
Demonstrating the new service on stage, Apple executive Eddy Cue showed the app’s integration with Siri, using voice commands to play specific songs or types of music, such as songs from a particular year.
