What's the deal with Apple Music? Everything you need to know
If you have questions about Apple Music, you're in luck -- because we have answers.
Apple has finally joined the likes of Spotify, Tidal and Pandora in the quest to dominate the music streaming scene. Apple Music is similar to its predecessors, but different in its own way. Check out the FAQ below for the quick and dirty details on the service.
Editor's note: This piece was originally posted on June 9, 2015 and was updated on June 26.
What is Apple Music?
Apple Music is a streaming music service that allows you to listen to any song available in the iTunes library.
Is it free?
The service isn't free. However, when you sign up you get a free three-month trial. After that, it's $9.99 per month, or you can sign up for a family plan for $14.99 per month. The family membership allows up to six people on the plan, but it requires iCloud Family Sharing.
When can I try it out?
Apple will launch the service on June 30 for Mac, PC and iOS. Android and Apple TV compatibility will be available in the fall.
How do I get it?
Instead of downloading it from the App Store, it'll roll out with the latest iOS 8.4 update.
Is it replacing iTunes?
Apple Music will not replace iTunes. iTunes will be available for those interested in purchasing music, in addition to or instead of streaming via Apple Music.
What happened to Beats Music?
Beats Music will transition into Apple Music. If you're a Beats Music member, you'll easily be able to switch your accounts once Apple Music launches. Your username, playlists and library will all transfer.
What is Beats 1 Radio?
Beats 1 is Apple's 24-7 global radio station that's based in Los Angeles, New York and London. It'll be hosted by radio personalities and other select guests with the goal of sharing music that's curated by, according to Apple, "music experts." You don't need to subscribe to Apple Music to tune in.
Will iTunes Radio still be a thing?
Yes, and if you subscribe to Apple Music you won't have to listen to ads.
What about iTunes Match?
iTunes Match will remain available for your music syncing needs.
What makes streaming from Apple Music so different from Spotify or Tidal?
"="" hit="" record."="" shortcode="link" asset-type="article" uuid="00f8c127-6550-48ea-ac77-2e773c725676" slug="taylor-swift-to-apple-ok-lets-rock" link-text="Taylor Swift's " section="news" title="Taylor Swift to Apple: OK, let's rock!" edition="us" data-key="link_bulk_key" api="{"id":"00f8c127-6550-48ea-ac77-2e773c725676","slug":"taylor-swift-to-apple-ok-lets-rock","contentType":null,"edition":"us","topic":{"slug":"digital-media"},"metaData":{"typeTitle":null,"hubTopicPathString":"Tech^Services and Software^Streaming Services^Digital Media","reviewType":null},"section":"news"}"> Just kidding...kinda. Apple Music will offer some music that's not available on Spotify. However, the entire iTunes library will not be available for streaming. If you have already purchased music from, say, The Beatles, then you will be able to stream it by using iTunes Match.
Check out this handy guide for more information on the variety of music-streaming services available.
Will Apple Music allow me to download music for offline listening?
You will be able to download music from Apple Music for offline listening.
What's the bit rate of the music, and will there be an option for streaming high-quality audio?
Apple has yet to reveal that information.
I have an Android. Will Apple Music work on my phone?
Apple states that an Android app will be available in the fall.
In what countries is it available?
According to Apple, it will be available in over 100 countries, but it has yet to release a full list.
Does Apple Music offer exclusive content, like Tidal?
Apple hasn't announced anything similar, but the service will offer a feature called "Connect," which allows artists to post photos and videos exclusively onto their Apple Music page and interact with fans via likes and comments.
Can you have your "private" cloud-based music locker integrated with Apple Music?
Apple has yet to clarify how this will work.
Since Apple Music doesn't roll out until June 30, we'll continue to update this as things develop. If you have any questions that aren't covered in this post, reply in the comments section.