Apple Music launched its six live radio stations on TuneIn’s platform on Wednesday (August 27), marking the first time that the company’s 24/7 radio programming has become available outside its own ecosystem.
Through the partnership, TuneIn‘s 75 million global monthly users will gain access to Apple Music‘s commercial-free radio stations through smart speakers, headphones, and automotive systems from more than 15 car brands.
Apple‘s radio offering includes Apple Music 1, hosted by Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden; Apple Music Hits, which covers hits from the 1980s through 2000s; Apple Music Country; Apple Música Uno; Apple Music Club; and Apple Music Chill.
Rachel Newman, co-head of Apple Music, said: “Apple Music Radio has always been about connection, artists sharing their music and their stories in real time and listeners discovering something new together.”
“Through our partnership with TuneIn, we’re able to bring that experience to even more people, extending beyond the Apple ecosystem and reaching music fans wherever they are.”
“Through our partnership with TuneIn, we’re able to bring that experience to even more people, extending beyond the Apple ecosystem and reaching music fans wherever they are.”
Rachel Newman, Apple Music
TuneIn CEO Rich Stern added: “Apple choosing TuneIn as the first platform to stream its radio stations reinforces our position as the go-to distribution partner for global audio.”
“With deep integrations across connected devices and cars, TuneIn is uniquely positioned to deliver premium content to listeners everywhere. Our mission is simple: to be the world’s leading live audio platform, bringing nonstop, audio experiences to audiences 24/7.”
Apple Music’s latest move comes as it struggles to maintain its position against streaming rival Spotify. Apple’s market share of US digital music subscribers dropped to 25% at the end of last year from 30% in 2020, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing MIDiA Research. Meanwhile, Spotify expanded its domestic market share to 37% from 31% over the same period.
“Apple choosing TuneIn as the first platform to stream its radio stations reinforces our position as the go-to distribution partner for global audio.”
Rich Stern, TuneIn
Globally, Apple Music’s position has also weakened further. The company’s worldwide subscriber share shrank to 12% from 16% since 2020, the Journal said.
Price-wise, an Apple Music subscription still costs cheaper than a Spotify Premium subscription. Spotify raised its Premium price in the US to $11.99 in 2024 from $9.99 in 2022, while Apple Music, priced at $10.99 hasn’t seen a price hike in the US since 2022.
Earlier this month, Spotify announced that Premium subscribers will soon receive an email explaining the price change, which applies to “multiple markets across South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region.”
To attract more subscribers, Apple Music has rolled out a range of tools over the recent months. Yesterday (August 27), MBW reported that Apple has quietly rolled out its playlist transfer feature to seven new markets including the US, allowing users to switch from rival streaming services quickly.
For TuneIn, which aggregates live audio content from sports to news programming, the deal with Apple follows its partnerships with companies including Visteon, which makes cockpit electronics for vehicles, as well as internet radio platforms Audacy and iHeartMedia.
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