New Apple Music Service Will Be Subscription Based with Free Trials: Re/code

Re/code reports Apple’s upcoming music service will be subscription based as expected, but will also include free samples to lure in customers:

Apple is still negotiating deals for the streaming service, which it would like to announce soon. But it would like to offer several ways to let people listen to some music without paying, according to industry sources.

Free trial periods may range from one to three months, but will depend on the conclusion of Apple’s ongoing negotiations with record labels. There will also be a feature which will let music owners upload songs to the service and listen for free, similar to what SoundCloud offers.

As for iTunes Radio, a new version will debut (hopefully in Canada too) with new stations curated by humans instead of algorithms, possibly “localized for different countries.”

Apple looks to avoid a free streaming music service as advertising alone would not generate enough revenue, plus offers no incentives for listeners to become paid subscribers.

Earlier this week, the FTC was said to be investigating whether Apple’s music industry influence could play a role as an unfair advantage over its competitors. Previous rumours pegged the service to be announced at WWDC 2015, said to take place again in June.