Sony counters Spotify with Music Unlimited app on iOS

In the dead of the night, Sony has slipped its music-streaming competitor into the iOS App Store.

The new iOS app has been designed for iPhones and iPod Touches, but will also work on iPads in compatibility mode. The iOS versions join mobile versions already launched for Android and the PS Vita.

Unlike the website, which offers free 30-second music samples, users of the iOS app will need a Music Unlimited account to sample the app and service. Currently, there are two plans on offer: AU$4.99 per month for a limited, basic subscription, and AU$12.99 monthly for a premium plan that offers unrestricted music searches from the Music Unlimited library.

Spotify, on the other hand, offers a three-tier service: a free visual and audio ad-supported version, an AU$6.99 ad-free plan and a premium AU$11.99 subscription that features better-quality sound.

Currently Sony is offering a free 30-day trial of its Music Unlimited premium plan.