Apple Rumoured for Summertime ‘iRadio’ Launch Says Music Labels

Looks like more whispers have surfaced in regards to the rumoured ‘iRadio’ music streaming service from Apple. The Verge reports record label insiders have informed them the service is coming and Apple is aggressively pursuing a launch this summer:

Much has been written about Apple’s plan to launch a Pandora-esque service this year. Now multiple music industry insiders have told The Verge that significant progress has been made in the talks with two of the top labels: Universal and Warner. One of the sources said “iRadio is coming. There’s no doubt about it anymore.” Apple is pushing hard for a summertime launch.

The reporter for the story is Greg Sandoval, is a former CNET reporter who left the publication in January over parent company CBS’ interference over its editorial independence. It appears Sandoval has taken his sources with him to his new position at The Verge, as he previously published a related story last December in regards to Apple’s streaming music service.

In three months though, it appears Apple and record labels have made progress compared to before. Earlier this month the New York Post reported Apple had put forward a lowball offer to record labels in negotiating the cost to stream songs.

As for the summer launch, if it is indeed true we could see something being announced at Apple’s upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), expected to take place in mid-June. Earlier today a rumour out of far left field (very far) stated the iPhone 5S would be announced in June.

Who wants an ‘iRadio’ streaming service? It’s a crowded market for streaming music nowadays so Apple’s offering needs to be really great.

Update: This is also what AllThingsD reporter Peter Kafka is hearing:

.@sandonet says Warner and UMG like iradio, which is what I hear too. But unless sony comes along, can’t happen. Your move, Doug and Marty.

— Peter Kafka (@pkafka) 29. März 2013