Apple Music

Apple releases iTunes 12.2 with Apple Music and Beats 1 integration

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 30, 2015

In addition to releasing the latest iOS 8.4 software update for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad and posting the new OS X Yosemite 10.10.4 update for the Mac, Apple has now issued a brand new version of iTunes for Mac and Windows PCs with built-in support for the new Apple Music on-demand subscription music service, Beats 1 global Internet radio and more.

You must install iOS 8.4 on your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad to enjoy Apple Music. iTunes 12.2 is required to enjoy Apple Music and Beats 1 radio streaming on your Mac or Windows computer.

How to request a song for Apple’s new Beats 1 radio station

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

Apple's new 24/7 radio station, Beats 1, went live this morning and is now in full effect. Initial feedback on the experiment is mixed—some people really like it, others don't—but the consensus is that Apple has managed to capture the essence of radio.

Keeping with that theme, Apple has announced that it's going to start taking listener requests for songs during at least a small segment of its Beats 1 broadcast. From the service's official Twitter account: "in a few hours, we turn the show over to you."

SoundHound for iOS now plays nice with Apple Music and Beats 1

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 30, 2015

SoundHound, an audio recognition service, today announced a refresh for its iPhone and iPad application with Apple Music integration, a new Beats 1 Radio row within song pages and other enhancements.

With Apple Music and Beats 1 integration, users can stream music discovered through SoundHound on Apple Music and enjoy the ability to listen to the streaming radio broadcast provided by Beats 1.

These new features will go live in over a hundred Apple Music countries via a free update to Soundhound's iOS app, which will be rolling out later today.

How to disable auto-renewal in Apple Music to avoid charges after your free trial

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 1, 2017

Apple Music launched around the world a few years, and with it comes a lengthy 3-month free trial. But after the trial period is up, you'll be on the hook for $10 per month, unless you turn off auto-renewal. Luckily, as with all iTunes-billed subscription services, this is quick and easy to do.

Beats Music app receives an update with playlist migration to Apple Music

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2018

Shortly after releasing iOS 8.4 for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad and OS X 10.10.4 for the Mac, Apple refreshed the mobile Beats Music application in the App Store so you can transfer your existing playlists and library over to Apple Music. Release notes accompanying the update make no mention of other changes beyond playlist migration.

The app is available at no charge in the App Store.

iOS 8.4 with Apple Music, Beats 1 and revamped Music app hits iPhone, iPod touch and iPad

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 30, 2015

As promised, Tuesday morning Apple released the free iOS 8.4 software update which introduces an all-new Music app with Apple Music and Beats 1 built-in. The over-the-air update is now available for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices. As these things take some time to propagate, the software update may not show up in your region yet.

“This update introduces Apple Music—a revolutionary music service, 24/7 global radio, and a way for fans to connect with their favorite artists—all included in the redesigned Music app,” release notes accompanying the update explain. “iOS 8.4 also includes improvements for iBooks and bug fixes,” Apple states.

To apply the update over-the-air, open the Settings app on your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad and choose Software Update in the General section. Alternatively, connect your device via USB cable to a Mac or Windows PC running the latest version of iTunes and an update prompt should pop up automatically.

If you enjoy jailbreaking as much as we do, you're wholeheartedly advised to read this first in order to prepare for iOS 8.4 properly.

Apple Music to exclusively stream Dr. Dre’s ‘The Chronic’ album

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 29, 2016

Apple Music will exclusively stream 'The Chronic,' Dr. Dre's 1992 debut studio album, Rolling Stone reported Monday. As a matter of fact, the seminal album will actually make its streaming debut when Apple Music launches tomorrow morning.

This is newsworthy because 'The Chronic' has not yet been available on digital platforms like the iTunes Store, Beats Music, Spotify or Rhapsody due to legal disputes regarding distribution rights.

Confirmed: Apple Music coming to Sonos systems by end of 2015

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 28, 2015

Apple Music is a really great service until you realize that Spotify, the world leader in music streaming, works across a bunch of mobile and desktop platforms and is supported by dozens of Hi-Fi equipment, wireless speakers, gaming consoles, connected TV sets and more.

But Apple does not intend to ignore this aspect of Spotify. In what could only be described as a hint of broader third-party support in the works, both Sonos and Apple have now officially confirmed working together to bring Apple Music to Sonos hardware by the end of the year.

iOS 8.4 launching at 8am Tuesday, iTunes Match song limit increasing to 100,000 with iOS 9

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 28, 2015

Former Beats Music CEO Ian Rogers wrote in a blog post yesterday that iOS 8.4 with Apple Music will release for public consumption on Tuesday, June 30, at 8am Pacific / 11am Eastern. A few hours later, however, Rogers has updated his post removing mention of the specific timing.

“Tuesday morning we’ll be unveiling the next chapter,” reads the post. “Please make a note to upgrade to iOS 8.4 Tuesday, June 30 and listen to our first day of broadcasting.”

Rogers is now a Senior Director of Apple Music.

Shazam updated with support for Apple Music

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

The popular audio identification service Shazam updated its iOS client today with support for Apple Music. The release brings the app to version 8.7, and arrives just ahead of the launch of the new music service next week.

With Apple Music support, users will be able to identify songs using the Shazam app, and then tap a button to launch the service so they can listen to the track in its entirety. And remember it's free for the first 3 months.

Beats 1 celebrity hosts to include Drake, Dr. Dre, Elton John and others

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple's Beats 1 streaming radio service will feature celebrity hosts such as Pharrell Williams, Drake and Elton John, reports The New York Times. In a profile of Apple's newly recruited D.J., Zane Lowe, the outlet says a number of well-known stars have been given spots.

Other well-known stars on the menu for Beats 1 programming include Dr. Dre, who will host a show called "The Pharmacy," teen actor Jaden Smith, and Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age. Apparently, each of them will be hosting and planning the shows themselves.

Taylor Swift’s blockbuster album ‘1989’ will stream on Apple Music

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated September 6, 2017

Well, good PR doesn't get any better than this. Following a week of back and forth between Apple and Taylor Swift over royalty payments during Apple Music's free trial, the popular pop musician and actress said her top-selling album “1989” will stream on Apple's service, which launches next Tuesday.

“After the events of this week, I've decided to put '1989' on Apple Music,” she wrote on Twitter.

The newsworthy development bears special significance as “1989” won't be available on any streaming service, at least for the time being, with the sole exception of Apple Music.