Apple Closing iRadio Music Deals With Labels Ahead Of WWDC Keynote
by Joe White
June 2, 2013
This weekend, Apple signed off on an "iRadio" deal with Warner Music Group, according to The New York Times. Despite recent reports suggesting that the service could be delayed until fall, the publication nevertheless asserts that Apple is still aiming to announce its much-anticipated iRadio offering at the company's forthcoming WWDC 2013 keynote, which is scheduled for one week tomorrow.
The New York Times explains:
While it is still at odds with some music companies over deal terms, Apple is said to be eager to get the licenses in time to unveil the service — nicknamed iRadio by the technology press — at its annual developers conference, which begins June 10 in San Francisco. Apple has signed a deal with the Universal Music Group for its recorded music rights, but not for music publishing — the part of the business that deals with songwriting. Over the weekend, Apple also signed a deal with the Warner Music Group for both rights.Still remaining, though, is a deal with Sony Music. Last month, we heard that one particular issue Apple is attempting to navigate involves "the economics of song skipping," which specifically concerns the necessary royalty payments required when users have the option of skipping, rewinding, or repeating streamed tracks. Representatives from Apple have reportedly declined to comment. Apple's music streaming service is rumored to be free, ad-supported, and to offer Pandora-like functionality. However, the Cupertino, Calif. company is also said to be seeking more flexibility from labels for iRadio users. Here's hoping Apple is able to wrap up deals with remaining labels ahead of its WWDC keynote. If so, June 10 could boast one of the most interesting Apple keynotes in recent years. We'll keep you updated with further information as it becomes available. In the meantime, see: WWDC 2013 Countdown: Three More Things Apple Should Announce In June, Song Skipping Reportedly The Cause Of Halt In iRadio Negotiations, and Apple’s Streaming Preview Of Daft Punk’s New Album Leads To Free Download.
