Apple Contemplating New Music Service, iTunes App For Android

Sources have surfaced speaking of new Apple music ambitions, with the company reportedly contemplating launching an on-demand music streaming service that will directly compete with Spotify and other similar on-demand services. According to these same handful of sources, Apple is also considering launching an iTunes app for Android.

The information comes from Billboard, which reports that Apple is in "exploratory talks" with label senior executives about the on-demand service. Such comes at a time when downloads are decreasing and the utilization of streaming music services is growing, with one source — said to be from a major label — saying Apple is considering a customer transition from iTunes to a streaming option.

"So when you buy a song for $1.29, and you put it in your library, iTunes might send an e-mail pointing out that for a total of, say, $8 a month you can access that song plus all the music in the iTunes store. It's all in the 'what if' stage," said the source. These talks are said to be in a "very early stage."

Other details are still forthcoming, but according to the sources, Apple is also considering launching an iTunes app for Android. Both considerations are said to be part of a "multi-pronged strategy" to address iTunes music download declines.

SOURCE: Billboard