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Apple is preparing to launch a brand new music streaming service which incorporates the Beats Music platform it bought in 2014.
9to5Mac brings word from sources within Apple and the music industry claiming the new platform will use Beats tech and musical content within a new, Apple-designed framework.
According to those sources, Apple is working on a new “Beats-infused" version of the Music app, that’ll be pre-installed and deeply integrated within iOS and on Apple TV.
Intriguingly, it may also become available on the Android platform too, making it the first app designed by Apple to appear on the Google platform.
The report offers a detailed description of how the service will work, claiming it’ll rely on cloud streaming and will include a new search feature to identify songs in the iTunes/Beats catalogues that can then be stored on the user’s device. Songs can remain in the cloud and be streamed or downloaded onto the device for local storage.
Beats’ Playlists, Activities and Mixes features will also be very prominent, giving users the opportunity to sample a host of curated playlists, based around styles or genres.
According to 9to5Mac, the social networking-style features, which allow current Beats users to follow each other’s activities will also be retained. The service will reportedly receive a design overhaul to fit in with the iOS ecosystem, rather than relying on Beats' current branding.
Interestingly, once the product is launched, Apple still plans to retain services like iTunes Radio, iTunes Match and the iTunes Download store, allowing it to become all things to all people.
Read more: Beats Solo 2 review
The report says it’ll cost $9.99 a month (around £6.50), or $99 for the entire year (around $65). It may be unveiled as soon as the WWDC event in June, potentially as part of iOS 9.
Can this rumoured Apple/Beats monster slay the Spotify dragon? Share your thoughts below
