Apple Is Sweetening The Deal For Music Labels To Bring iRadio Service Online

Pandora, watch your back. Apple’s “iRadio” service is getting closer to reality. Cupertino is getting close to striking a streaming deal with two of the three major music labels, according to CNET. According to the report, Apple has offered “new revenue streams” to convince music labels to sign on the dotted line. These include a “quick way for consumers to buy a song they hear,” as well as “a revenue share of new audio ads” that Apple is planning to add to the free service. This sweetened deal could be enough for Warner Music, and Universal Music Group, to give the ok. From there, Apple would need to convince Sony Music Group, and music publishers to get on board. Apple is said to want a summer rollout for iRadio. Most likely, the service would be unveiled at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. At first, iRadio is expected to launch in the U.S., plus the U.K., France, Germany, Australia, and Japan. When implemented, iRadio would be available through iTunes on iOS devices, the Apple TV, and on desktops. For months, it was largely expected that Apple’s streaming music service would arrive this spring. In March, however, The New York Times reported that iRadio was delayed due to “licensing negotiations.” Assuming that those negotiations are now moving forward, it looks like a summer release is more certain. See also: Will Apple’s iRadio Service Finally Appear This Summer?

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