Russia May Be Among First Countries With Access to Apple’s New Streaming Music Service

Apple’s iTunes Radio and Beats Music streaming services are currently available in a limited number of countries. According to a new report from Billboard, Apple is working on launching its upcoming streaming music service in a number of countries around the world.

Previous reports have suggested that Apple’s music service will launch in several countries when it debuts in June. The new report confirms that Apple is seeking to establish deals in Russia.

Leading Russian record labels have reportedly hinted at negotiations and several Russian newspapers have suggested that Russia will be among the first countries where the new music service will launch.

Beats Music is only available in the United States, while iTunes Radio is available in a few countries around the world. iTunes Radio first launched in 2013, with Apple promising to bring the service to more than 100 countries.

It is still unclear while Apple’s iTunes Radio expansion plans fell through. The complications of establishing contracts in many countries, alongside the lukewarm reception to iTunes Radio, likely played a part.

Exact details on Apple’s new streaming music service are still unknown, but rumours have suggested that it will be similar to the existing Beats Music service. The new service will reportedly focus on curated content and artist exclusives. While iTunes Radio will likely remain free, the new service will reportedly cost $9.99 per month.

Apple’s new streaming music service may debut in June at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, and may be integrated in iOS 8.4’s redesigned music app.