Apple Music: how it stacks up against the competition
On June 30, at 8am PT, Apple will release an update for its iOS (8.4) and for iTunes, integrating its new music streaming device into both. Apple Music, a members-only service compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac and PC, is being launched in over 100 countries on Tuesday.
Pros:
An unbeatable family plan
Though the basic $9.99 per month service is similar to that offered by Spotify and Deezer, Apple is doing the unheard of with a family plan for $14.99 per month that allows up to six users to have unlimited access to Apple Music on their respective devices. This is in comparison to Spotify's family plan which allows subscribers to enlist up to four family members at a 50% discount.
Lots of exclusive content
On the day of its launch, Apple Music can rest easy knowing it offers some exclusive content, such as Taylor Swift's "1989," Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" and Pharrell Williams' new single, "Freedom."
Seamless integration with the Music app on iOS, with Android next
Whether via iTunes on your computer or the Music app on your iPhone, Apple users won't have the slightest difficulty navigating the new "Music," "Radio" and "Connect" modules that make up Apple Music. The service will expand to Apple TV and Android in the fall.
Cons:
A new offer but no groundbreaking innovation
With Apple Music, the Cupertino-based company isn't bringing anything very new to the table, instead presenting a mix between a streaming service (through its 30 million strong catalogue of songs), a radio (Beats One) and an exchange platform uniting fans and artists (Connect), all for $9.99, the same price as market leader Spotify.
No free version
While Apple is offering a free three-month trial period, beyond that, no free version (with advertisements or limited number of listens, for example) is expected, unlike most of it competitors.
Top quality sound lacking
Apple Music will offer 256kbps sound in ACC format, whereas Spotify and Tidal already offer a crisper 320kbps sound. Only Qobuz at present offers high resolution sound (Hi-Res 24-Bit) to some of its members.
