Apple Announces Streaming Service, Apple Music

Apple’s World Developers Conference (WWDC), kicked off today with their keynote presentation. The keynote was a star-studded event, featuring Drake giving his thoughts on an element of the service and a performance from The Weeknd to wrap things up.

In classic Apple fashion, they hit us with a “One More Thing….” which typically alludes to the announcement of a brand new product/service — this time being Apple Music. A few days ago, we gave you a list of 7 things to expect from Apple’s streaming announcement and the overwhelming majority of them ended up holding true.

Apple Music is a “revolutionary streaming service,” but it goes far beyond just streaming.

“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.”

The service consists of three elements. First and foremost, Apple Music is a streaming service, one that will put the entire Apple Music catalog at your fingertips across every device. Aside from iTunes, Apple Music also includes the music you already love, including ripped CDs. The Apple Music section will also include curated playlists from some of the most talented music experts in the business.

Beyond human curation, Siri has also been integrated into the service, giving you the ability to make demands such as, “Play me the best songs from 1994,” “Play the best FKA twigs song,” or “What was the number one song in February 2011?”

The second element of Apple Music is the much-improved Apple Music Radio, with their first station known as Beats 1. The radio show will run 24/7 while being broadcast to over 100 countries and will be hosted by the likes of Zane Low, Ebro Darden and Julie Adenuga. The radio show is also set to feature exclusive interviews, guest hosts and more.

The third of the service is what’s known as Apple Music Connect. In addition to streaming and radio, the service will also offer an incredibly simple way for artists to connect with their fans and vice versa. Additionally, you can like, comment on and share via Messages, Twitter, or Facebook on anything an artist posts.

Apple Music also has competitive price points. The service will available worldwide on June 30, with the first 3-months being free. Following the free trial, the service will cost $9.99/month, right on with rivals Spotify and TIDAL.

Where Apple may have their competitors beat pricing wise, is their family plan. The family plan will cost just $14.99 and provide service for up to six family members, each who can have their own, separate account.

At launch, the service will only be available on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac and PC before it comes to Apple TV and Android phones in the fall.

Read the full press release here. Additionally, check out how Apple Music stacks up against the competition below.