Apple’s revamped Beats Music service might not make a debut at WWDC in June
A WWDC debut for the revamped Beats music streaming service is in doubt, according to a new report from Billboard. Apple has apparently yet to snag the licensing deals with the appropriate music companies.
While one source told the publication that the service definitely won’t be announced at the conference in early June, another said Apple could still pull off the feat:
A June launch is still attainable. One source notes Apple has been able to quickly secure licensing deals in the past. “If any company can pull it off, they can,” the source tells Billboard, adding that “labels are more likely to play ball with them” because of Apple’s track record of generating revenue for rights holders.
If Apple is able to get the licensing deals signed, the new service could be included with iOS 9, which is also expected to make a debut at the developer-focused event.
Apple originally wanted to undercut competitors like Spotify and Rdio with a lower price for the new service. But after push back from the music industry, it will likely cost subscribers the standard $9.99 per month.
Instead of cost, Apple plans to differentiate the offering by nabbing exclusive content for the service. Early last month, Apple was reportedly in talks with popular artists like Taylor Swift and Florence and the Machine.
Despite this news, I suspect Apple will be able to overcome the obstacles and announce the revamped music streaming offering at WWDC. Tim Cook and company have too much riding on their $3 billion Beats purchase to pass up such a nice opportunity.
For other news today, see: Apple Pay can now be used by customers of 24 more credit unions and banks, A day in the life: Apple Watch fitness tools, battery life and Force Touch ‘secrets,’ and Watch band designers get official guidance from Apple.