It was a long time coming but, from June 30, Apple's new music streaming service will be with us (or the US, at least). Last night in San Francisco's Moscone Center, details of Apple Music, the company's attempt to muscle in on the patch currently dominated by Spotify, were revealed by CEO Tim Cook.
Cook promised that the service will "change the way you experience music forever." So what will they be offering?
Well, Apple Music will allow you to stream songs on iTunes and also boasts a world-wide radio station. Beats 1 will be headed up by Zane Lowe in LA, Ebro Darden in New York and Julie Adenuga in London.
Aside from that, there will be tailor-made playlists and a 'Connect' platform that allows art-at-fan interaction and the opportunity for unsigned acts to upload their creations.
Cook was joined by Jimmy Iovine, along with artists Drake and Trent Reznor, at the event. Drake took the opportunity to announce that his forthcoming album (tentatively titled Views From The 6), will premiere on Connect. Rumours are also swirling that Kanye West's next album, Swish, will also debut on the service, despite the support he has given Jay Z's TIDAL in recent months.
Not only will Apple Music be available for all Apple devices, but also on Android phones. American music fans will be getting it first, from June 30, and it will cost $9.99 per month, with a three month free trial. All sounds pretty nifty, but by no means a game changer. We'll bring you Irish details when we get them. Watch this space.