Apple Music Is Live: Key Features And Release Dates

Apple begins to compete at the music streaming scene with the launch of App Music. The tech giant aims to get ahead of other music streaming apps such as Spotify, Rdio, Pandora and Slacker.

The new app follows the same scheme of Spotify in which app users are subjected to monthly fees for a full access to the app. Currently, Apple Music offers a free three month trial offer.

Apple Music is the successor of two other music streaming projects from Apple, iTunes Radio and Itunes Match. Both projects did not attain as much support like other streaming apps so Apple is hoping that Apple Music will gain the popularity it needs this time around. This time, Apple will utilize the streaming service it acquired recently from Beats Music.

The app offers a wide array of features including music streaming, radio and it also serves as a gateway to play the tracks that users bought from the iTunes store. App users will also be able to follow their favorite artist to get behind-the-scene updates. The app basically gathers elements from music streaming services, online radio's and social networking sites with its main focus being on music streaming. What makes Apple Music more unique is the inclusion of Beats 1; a 24/7 curated radio station. No other music streaming service has a dedicated radio station setting it apart from other apps.

The app costs $9.99(AU$ 11.99) monthly. There is an option for a family plan for up to six people which costs $14.9(17.99). There is a free version of the app, however, the app will only serve as a way to play the music bought from iTunes. The Beats 1 radio station will also be available but there will be ads.

Apple Music will be available in late 2015.