WWDC 2015: Apple goes back to music roots with Apple Music

Apple today introduced the Apple Music service which it says will be a revolutionary streaming radio, music service and connection point between fans and musicians. The app will be available to iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, PC, Apple TV and Android phones. Apple Music will be available starting on June 30 in over 100 countries.

Apple Music is a single app that combines the a streaming music service, a worldwide live radio station from Apple broadcasting 24 hours a day, and a great new way for music fans to connect with their favourite artists.

Apple Music combines the largest and most diverse collection of music on the planet with the expertise of world-class music experts who have programmed playlists for your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, PC, Apple TV and Android phones.* Apple Music will be available starting on June 30 in over 100 countries.

Apple Music was demowd to be elegant, fast and intuitive with Siri being one of the main ways to interact with the software.

Stemming from its acquisition of Beats Audio a year ago, the new Apple Music service was created with the help of music industry luminaries such as musicians and producers (Trent Reznor, Jimmy Iovine) and aims compete with various online radio and music subscription services. 

Starting on June 30, Apple is giving o a 3-month free membership, after which a $9.99(USD)/month subscription fee will apply. There will also be a family plan providing service for up to six family members available for just $14.99 (USD)/month. Local pricing will be available closer to launch.

“Apple Music is really going to move the needle for fans and artists,” said Jimmy Iovine. “Online music has become a complicated mess of apps, services and websites. Apple Music brings the best features together for an experience every music lover will appreciate.”

Apple Music will be the first software and service to be made available on rival Android devices. This is a similar move to when iTunes and the iPod, originally a Mac exclusive application and device, was finally offered for rival Windows. This helped Apple's resurgence and served as an entry point for PC users to switch to the Mac ecosystem.